Reviews

Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan

rgoodhart's review against another edition

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4.0

I really enjoyed this. It was the perfect accompaniment to a wet and windy day after Boxing Day. I was transported to Oxford in 1950 and the story of Megs, a young student, visiting CS Lewis on behalf of her dying younger brother George. I’m trying to find answers to George’s questions about Narnia, Lewis tells Megs about his life.

Much as I enjoyed this, I was frustrated by details that were inaccurate and should have been picked up by an editor.
Items that cost so many ‘schillings’.
References to ‘residences’ rather than ‘staircases’ as would be more fitting for an Oxford College.
Somerville College spelt with a double m.
Other turns of phrase that just wouldn’t have been in use in 1950s England.

The changing narrator also frustrated me… just stick to one voice. All that said, I still enjoyed this… though I’m not sure its apparent aim of showing that everything we experience is part of our story was really as difficult as it made out!

kitkat175's review against another edition

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5.0

This book was so good and short I could not put it down, it was such a cozy and good read, I also loved that it was about my favourite book and movie.
It was so good. This book will be on my bookshelf forever, very good and a short read.
Going into this book I wasn't sure if I would have liked it, but I loved every minute of this book.
I love the cover of the book, I am going to read more of Patti's books, I have the book called
" Becoming Mrs. Lewis" on my bookshelf right now and I am excited to read it.
I would read this book again.

its_gia_pasqua's review against another edition

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5.0

I haven't enjoyed a book this much in a long time. It ignited a passion for reading simply to enjoy something that I forgot I had in the midst of my piles of books for school. Stories do something amazing to you.

kittycaserine's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring sad 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? It's complicated

3.75

laura_corsi's review against another edition

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5.0

This book is the one I was craving over Christmas and could not find. It is a window into another time, that might as well be another world, so different from our own time where things always feel so confusing and depressing. In this time, hope wins out even in the face of struggle and despair. On every page there are so many passages to underline--that ring with truth and sentiment. I cried in both joy and sorrow. Ms. Callahan has given us a beautiful, beautiful book.

jjpelky's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

shannon_booklady77's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

A beautiful story about the quest for more. As a long time lover of The Chronicles of Narnia, this is a fantastic companion for older/adult readers.

lcannone's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring medium-paced

5.0

babutle5's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

lindsayaunderwood's review against another edition

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4.0

Loved this story within a story about the life of CS Lewis.