Four siblings Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie go to stay at the home of an old professor in the country during World War two. While there Lucy discovers an old wardrobe which is a doorway to the magical land of Narnia ruled by the wicked White Witch who has made it always winter and never Christmas, as well as outlawing humans. When Lucy returns to our world she tells her siblings about it but none of them believe her.
A few days later Lucy returns to Narnia through the wardrobe and Edmund follows her, while there he meets the White Witch who is very nice to him. When they return to our world Edmund says that he and Lucy were only playing and there is no land in the wardrobe. Several days later all four children are forced to hide in the wardrobe and find themselves in Narnia.
In Narnia they meet two beavers who offer to help them. The beavers tell the children about an ancient prophecy that says when four humans become Kings and Queens of Narnia the White Witch’s reign will be over, they also tell them about the great lion Aslan the true ruler of Narnia who has returned after many years. Edmund however wants nothing to do with this and sneaks off to tell the witch everything he learned, whereby betraying his own siblings.
This begins The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe the first book of “The Chronicles of Narnia” series by C.S. Lewis. While chronologically The Magician’s Nephew comes first in the series this is the first book Lewis wrote.
“The Chronicles of Narnia” are my favorite series of books and of the series this is my second favorite. Lewis creates a whole different world, and makes it completely believable, which is part of the reason why I love the series so much. In this book he sets up the rest of the series, and I think first time readers should always begin with this book.
Lewis explores many different Christian themes throughout the series; however in this book he explores the foundation of Christianity: salvation. Aslan represents Christ throughout the series and when he offers to die in Edmund’s place it is exactly like Jesus dying in our place for our sins. The White Witch’s winter over Narnia is also like the hold sin has on our lives which Aslan comes and destroys.
Note: Click on the titles to read about the next book of the Chronicles of Narnia Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader The Silver Chair, The Horse and His Boy, The Magician's Nephew, and The Last Battle.
If there is a book you would like reviewed please write it in the Comments section.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Comments