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librarymouse's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I'm kind of mad that I'm really like CS Lewis's fiction. I read just enough of mere Christianity to know how fundamentally Lewis and I differ on our perception of the place of Christianity and religion in policing the rights of others, but I really do like this series and I agree with a lot of his critical readings of Paradise Lost. Food for thought I guess 🙃.
Initially Edmund is a terrible person and sibling, though he does get better throughout the book, Peter and Susan aren't given as much characterization as I would have liked, and I'm frustrated with how Lucy was treated by her siblings and then relegated to the sidelines during the battle. With that out of the way, I really enjoyed the Beavers, especially in how they care for the children but also bring some explanation into the story. Lewis's narration style is also very fun! I like that he will occasionally mention the previous chapter by calling it the previous chapter, and I understand why everybody liked them so much as children. The series really does just feel like childhood.
The religious parallels are definitely very prominent, and I don't think enough consideration is given to the impact having lived full lives as rulers of Narnia only to return back to a childhood during world war II would have on Lucy, Edmud, Susan, and Peter. I look forward to seeing what happens next.
Initially Edmund is a terrible person and sibling, though he does get better throughout the book, Peter and Susan aren't given as much characterization as I would have liked, and I'm frustrated with how Lucy was treated by her siblings and then relegated to the sidelines during the battle. With that out of the way, I really enjoyed the Beavers, especially in how they care for the children but also bring some explanation into the story. Lewis's narration style is also very fun! I like that he will occasionally mention the previous chapter by calling it the previous chapter, and I understand why everybody liked them so much as children. The series really does just feel like childhood.
The religious parallels are definitely very prominent, and I don't think enough consideration is given to the impact having lived full lives as rulers of Narnia only to return back to a childhood during world war II would have on Lucy, Edmud, Susan, and Peter. I look forward to seeing what happens next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Animal cruelty, Grief, and Animal death
Moderate: War
lizziaha's review against another edition
adventurous
3.5
I’ll be the first to admit that my disinterest upon finishing this book is likely colored by my love of the movie (which does many things better than the book). I also dislike Lewis’s treatment of women. The actual world of Narnia is a fascinating sandbox and I wish it had been explored more in the book. I felt as though we were running past things that I wanted to stop and examine.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, War, Misogyny, Sexism, and Violence
rangerwing75's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Adjusted to C.S. Lewis’ writing style so this book was more enjoyable than the first one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Death, and Animal death
Moderate: Slavery, Child abuse, and Blood
Minor: Misogyny
emmonsannae's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book only gets better as I get older! There are new things to see and love every time. I love that Lewis is able to perfectly control his allegory while constructing such a lovely story with lovely characters.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Grief, Bullying, Murder, and Violence
Minor: Child abuse, War, and Physical abuse
ingloriousgigi's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I watched the movies and I actually remembered enjoying the first one (and hating the 2nd one) so I decided that I would actually sit down and read the book. The book was okay in the first half, but then in the second half Lewis's sexism and his heavy-handed religious metaphors really showed their behind. I also hate that Edmund really didn't get any crap from his family for betraying them. I heard that this series gets worse so I will not be reading further.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Child abuse and Violence
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