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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
It's a good feeling to read a classic fantasy book that defined the genre.
Though the plot and characters are too flat and plain compared to modern fantasy (looking at Wheel of Time and Rand), reading the story brought back nostalgic feelings of me seeing the movie adaptation during my childhood. (I think the movie team really did a good job).
It's weird but my favourite moment in the book is Lewis's note to his Goddaughter Lucy (and he has named a heroine after her!) at the start.
"Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again" - C.S.Lewis
Though the plot and characters are too flat and plain compared to modern fantasy (looking at Wheel of Time and Rand), reading the story brought back nostalgic feelings of me seeing the movie adaptation during my childhood. (I think the movie team really did a good job).
It's weird but my favourite moment in the book is Lewis's note to his Goddaughter Lucy (and he has named a heroine after her!) at the start.
"Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again" - C.S.Lewis
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
lighthearted
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
This read definitely gave me all the expected vibes/atmosphere, but I don’t know how much of that is from the BBC tv series/film (one of which, or maybe both, use mostly the exact dialogue and plot beats of the book - dialogue and beats I’d completely forgotten until reading this, so it felt a bit odd lol), and how much from Lewis' writing. I guess I’ll only know when I read an instalment I haven’t read/watched in another format.
The writing style was really fun, and the book was much faster paced and less preachy than I was expecting. But, there were definitely some outdated takes on gender e.g. Lucy and Susan's royal titles (Gentle and Valiant) were because men wanted to marry them, whereas the boys’ were for their bravery, knowledge etc.
This read also definitely brought up some questions, namely about the characters eating meat in Narnia... if all the animals are sentient/talk to each other, who are they eating and how are they farming it?? I know it’s just a kid’s book, but I couldn’t get the question out of my head every time they ate bacon or something.
Also, bull with a man's head?? Wtf is that??
This read also definitely brought up some questions, namely about the characters eating meat in Narnia... if all the animals are sentient/talk to each other, who are they eating and how are they farming it?? I know it’s just a kid’s book, but I couldn’t get the question out of my head every time they ate bacon or something.
Also, bull with a man's head?? Wtf is that??
Having said that, overall this was a fun time, and I’m excited to read on in the series and get to stories I’m less familiar with.
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-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
Grew up watching the film religiously (pun not intended) as a child and have so many fond memories of it. The book is a decent read and one I would recommend for children as a beginner chapter book. However looking at the story as an adult I can appreciate more the religious allegory and also the references to people's experiences during WWII. The children returning to their child selves in the "real world" after living a full lifetime in Narnia is a nod to the boys/young men sent off to war only return home "older" than they are. However if you've never experienced the story of Narnia I would recommend the film over the book.
Im not going to score this as im not one to really appreciate some of the classics the world yes... they way they are written not so much.... still the story itself is a classic we have all heard of!
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
It’s a low three for me. I want to love it… but I settle with thinking it’s just ok