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parita_g's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
hchorey's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
sam_hartwig's review against another edition
5.0
"She did not shut it properly because she knew that it is very silly to shut oneself into a wardrobe, even if it is not a magic one."
Some of you may be surprised and some of you may not be surprised that I've never read the Chronicles of Narnia before. I've seen the movies, but never actually read the books.
Even if I hadn't seen the movies and didn't know all about Narnia I still would've thought this book was delightful. I can see why it has stood the test of time and become a classic. And I loved hearing the way the children spoke "By Jove", "I say" and "jolly good" etc it was so old fashioned, but I adored it.
I've decided to read the books in publication order instead of the "reading/chronological" order, because I believe that C.S. Lewis wanted people to read them in the order he wrote them, and I think I'll be able to follow the story a lot easier this way.
I noticed that the movie followed very closely to the book, but there were quite a few things added and fleshed out. I can see why they did that because the book seemed very short and not very detailed, for example the battle at the end was over without the reader even really witnessing it. I guess this is because it's a children's book and Lewis didn't want children to be frightened by a horrible battle. At one point the narrator of the book says he doesn't want to explain how some of the evil queen's minions look because then the parents won't want you reading this book.
I liked this about the book, the narrator telling us the story. Michael York was the narrator for this audiobook and he was magnificent. It felt like I was sitting in an old library in a big comfy chair listening to him read it. Unfortunately, the next book I'm getting from the library isn't narrated by him.
I look forward to listening to Prince Caspian to see the differences between the movie and the book.
Some of you may be surprised and some of you may not be surprised that I've never read the Chronicles of Narnia before. I've seen the movies, but never actually read the books.
Even if I hadn't seen the movies and didn't know all about Narnia I still would've thought this book was delightful. I can see why it has stood the test of time and become a classic. And I loved hearing the way the children spoke "By Jove", "I say" and "jolly good" etc it was so old fashioned, but I adored it.
I've decided to read the books in publication order instead of the "reading/chronological" order, because I believe that C.S. Lewis wanted people to read them in the order he wrote them, and I think I'll be able to follow the story a lot easier this way.
I noticed that the movie followed very closely to the book, but there were quite a few things added and fleshed out. I can see why they did that because the book seemed very short and not very detailed, for example the battle at the end was over without the reader even really witnessing it. I guess this is because it's a children's book and Lewis didn't want children to be frightened by a horrible battle. At one point the narrator of the book says he doesn't want to explain how some of the evil queen's minions look because then the parents won't want you reading this book.
I liked this about the book, the narrator telling us the story. Michael York was the narrator for this audiobook and he was magnificent. It felt like I was sitting in an old library in a big comfy chair listening to him read it. Unfortunately, the next book I'm getting from the library isn't narrated by him.
I look forward to listening to Prince Caspian to see the differences between the movie and the book.
laurasauras's review against another edition
3.0
Let's be honest, it hasn't aged well. The Christian message felt overpowering, though is probably more subtle for the intended audience, and the girls sure ... were there. It is a well told story, though.
maniikoi's review against another edition
5.0
Although I have seen the movie for this book, and know what is going to happen, it was still exceptionally good to read about it. It didn't bother me at all, that I knew what was going to happen before it did, it was just very well written that it kept me turning the page. The story was very fast paced! There was no waiting, at all, before we were reintroduced to the world of Narnia, by Lucy finding The Wardrobe, (built from the wood of the magic tree) that still retains enough magic to act as a portal into Narnia. Like the rings, only The Wardrobe only goes into Narnia, nowhere else.
Like in, The Magicians Nephew the grammar is very different from modern English.Some phrases tend to not make that much sense. Like the phrase, "Make it pax." I can only guess that it goes to mean, "lets make a truce," or something along those lines. This tale is a definite turn of events, and just as wile as the first book - and just as great! I shouldn't be so surprised that the universe found a way for humans to once again find their way back into Narnia. C.S.Lewis has a wonderful imagination, and an even greater writing capability. He has a way with his words, of telling a tale, that keeps you captivated, drawn to keep turning another page no matter how long you have been reading for.
I love the idea, and everything about this tale. It makes me wonder though, what ever happened to the Cabby and his wife that were made King and Queen of Narnia? And surly, all their children and grandchildren, that they must have had? And what of the human race? Since, obviously, there is no one sitting on any of the thrones, and the four children are the only humans left in Narnia. So, what happened? They aren't mentioned at all throughout the whole story.
I don't find it at all surprising that the White Witch got her powers back now that she is in another world and not in the woods of the in-between with all the pools of water. But unlike in the first book, I think her magic isn't the same. Since it seems that now she has to have a magic wand to direct her magic. Though her magic is still as cruel and harsh as ever. If I had any doubts of how cruel the White Witch Jadis could be, that was quickly dispelled when her and her minions mistreated, tortured and made fun of, and then killed Aslan. It was so very sad. It made my eyes tear up.
I truly wonder how they will ever end up back in Narnia since they can apparently no longer get back through The Wardrobe. It's sad that they left Narnia unknowingly, and most likely unwillingly, if they had a say in it; but they were drawn to the lamppost and the thicket where The Wardrobe was hidden, irresistibly so. Odd, that they don't remember their past life before they came into Narnia. I can't wait to read in the next book of how they will manage to get back!
Like in, The Magicians Nephew the grammar is very different from modern English.Some phrases tend to not make that much sense. Like the phrase, "Make it pax." I can only guess that it goes to mean, "lets make a truce," or something along those lines. This tale is a definite turn of events, and just as wile as the first book - and just as great! I shouldn't be so surprised that the universe found a way for humans to once again find their way back into Narnia. C.S.Lewis has a wonderful imagination, and an even greater writing capability. He has a way with his words, of telling a tale, that keeps you captivated, drawn to keep turning another page no matter how long you have been reading for.
I love the idea, and everything about this tale. It makes me wonder though, what ever happened to the Cabby and his wife that were made King and Queen of Narnia? And surly, all their children and grandchildren, that they must have had? And what of the human race? Since, obviously, there is no one sitting on any of the thrones, and the four children are the only humans left in Narnia. So, what happened? They aren't mentioned at all throughout the whole story.
I don't find it at all surprising that the White Witch got her powers back now that she is in another world and not in the woods of the in-between with all the pools of water. But unlike in the first book, I think her magic isn't the same. Since it seems that now she has to have a magic wand to direct her magic. Though her magic is still as cruel and harsh as ever. If I had any doubts of how cruel the White Witch Jadis could be, that was quickly dispelled when her and her minions mistreated, tortured and made fun of, and then killed Aslan. It was so very sad. It made my eyes tear up.
I truly wonder how they will ever end up back in Narnia since they can apparently no longer get back through The Wardrobe. It's sad that they left Narnia unknowingly, and most likely unwillingly, if they had a say in it; but they were drawn to the lamppost and the thicket where The Wardrobe was hidden, irresistibly so. Odd, that they don't remember their past life before they came into Narnia. I can't wait to read in the next book of how they will manage to get back!
lomili's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
lclarke615's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
adelle_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
Nejhorší je, když si vezmete Narnii na bazén. Máte ji hned přečtenou a co pak. :D
Skoro jsem zapomněla, jak se mi první díl líbil. Postavy byly občas trochu zvláštní, ale právě to dělá Narnii tak kouzelnou... :)
Skoro jsem zapomněla, jak se mi první díl líbil. Postavy byly občas trochu zvláštní, ale právě to dělá Narnii tak kouzelnou... :)
fallonheartss's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0