IMG_4045The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
by C. S. Lewis

I don’t know how many times I’ve read this book. My copy is from a box set that was bought sometime in the 80s, but this is the first time Amber (9) and I have read it together.

The story is always magical. Four siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy, are sent to a Professor’s house in order to avoid the London bombings. While there, they discover a wardrobe that leads to the land of Narnia, which is under the spell of the White Witch. She make sure it always winter in Narnia, but never Christmas. The four children help the mysterious, powerful Aslan defeat the Witch and bring spring to Narnia. They then become kings and queens, fulfilling an ancient prophecy.

There is a lot of Christian symbolism throughout the story, which I enjoy and appreciate more, I imagine, as an adult than I did when I was younger. Amber recognizes some of the references, like when Aslan is killed so the Edmund won’t be, but in truth she enjoyed it purely as a fantasy story. The people, animals and mythical beings all join together to defeat evil. What can be better?

Then Lion and Witch had rolled over together but with the Witch underneath; and at the same moment all war-like creatures whom Aslan had led from the Witch’s house rushed madly on the enemy’s line, dwarfs with the battle-axes, dogs with teeth, the giant with his club (and his feet also crushed dozens of the foe) unicorns with their horns, centaurs with swords and hoofs. And Peter’s tired army cheered, and the newcomers roared, and the enemy squealed and gibbered till the wood re-echoed with the din of that onset. (pg 174)

There’s never any doubt that the good guys will win. Early on in the book it’s made clear that now that Aslan’s been seen, everything will be okay, so just sit back and enjoy the adventure.

This one is a classic for a reason, worth reading again on your own or with children. Each time I read it, I get more out of it.

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