Reviews tagging 'Grief'

Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan

5 reviews

christygsp's review against another edition

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slow-paced

3.0

I enjoyed this story, like a peek behind the curtain into the creation of Narnia. The plot surrounding this central theme was sad but heartwarming. 
The writing was lovely, and explored winter time in a way that I haven’t experienced, which added to the magic. 
Overall it was a solid 3 stars for me. 

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markedwithanm's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0


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shelleys_shelf's review

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emotional inspiring lighthearted sad 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? No

5.0


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oceanwriter's review

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adventurous emotional inspiring reflective 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

5.0

Having finally finished all of the Narnia series, I’m ready to branch out and explore Narnia and C.S. Lewis inspired books. Though this one is really a Christmas book, I’ve read it at the end of Spring. 

This story was heartwarming and, in keeping with the tone of The Chronicles of Narnia, bittersweet. Megs’ love for her brother George is touching. And in her quest to answer his questions about his favorite book, she discovers something about life herself as well as her own talents for storytelling. Though not set in the world of Narnia, Once Upon A Wardrobe puts into words that wonderment so many people feel when they read and reread the series. How does Narnia compare to the real world? Who is Aslan? Could a place like Narnia be possible? While a part of me does wish I waited for Christmastime to read this, it made for a good comfort read to wrap up a busy month. 

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theespressoedition's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Once upon a wardrobe, not very long ago...
...and not very far away.

This book was everything my Chronicles of Narnia-loving heart could possibly want. After my annual reread of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe just days prior, it was the perfect story to fill that Aslan-sized hole in my heart.

Narnia was what fueled my love for reading when I read the series at just six years old. It was what made me fall in love with fantasy as a genre. It will always be incredibly special to me. Reading a historical fiction novel about how that world I love came to be... AH! It was like coming home in some strange way.

The characters in this book are painfully lovable. George, sweet George, is intelligent (truly wise beyond his years), creative, and caring. Megs is practical, loyal, and eager to learn everything she can to make her little brother happy. Padraig is faithful, encouraging, and adventurous - which was exactly what both Megs and George needed most at that time. And of course, we can't forget Jack (aka C.S. Lewis) who felt both familiar and brand new in this book. It was an honor to learn more about his childhood and the way his beautiful stories impacted so many lives over the years (both fictional lives and real ones like my own).

If you're someone who already loves Narnia, then this book will make you weep (with joy and with heartache) and it will be like a great big hug. If you know nothing about Narnia, let this book introduce you to the wonder of fairytales and the way they can transform someone's life - and let it transform yours as well!

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