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crystalstarrlight's review against another edition
5.0
"Magic...I bet this whole room is just stiff with enchantments"
Polly and Diggory are two children who live next door to each other in a line of row homes in London. When Polly discovers a tunnel of sorts connecting all the homes in their row, the two decide to go on an adventure, but when they stumble instead into Diggory's Uncle Andrew's study, the children end up on a completely different adventure...to other worlds.
I Liked:
The Magician's Nephew is my most favorite book in the Chronicles of Narnia series. I pretty much love everything about it...the characters, the adventures, the humor, the setting, everything. But since a review that says "I love everything" isn't very interesting or helpful, let me break it down a little more.
As I mentioned in an earlier review, I have a formula for novel that will likely end up on my "OMG THIS IS THE BEST BOOK IN THE UNIVERSE READ IT YESTERDAY!!!":
1. A strong-willed, independent girl
2. A journey or adventure or chase away from "bad guys"
3. A big "life or death" battle
4. A very laid-back romance with a realistic boy (Edward Cullen need not apply)
Again, The Magician's Nephew fulfills all these criteria.
1. Polly is not a throw-away girl. She plays an active part in the adventures and is critical to the story. Her initial disappearance forces Diggory to go after her. Plus, while she is sometimes silly and fearful, she is also practical (she isn't charmed by Jardis and wants to leave the bell and hammer alone) and faithful to her friend (she doesn't leave to go home when she and Diggory are on an adventure to retrieve a fruit).
2. Probably my favorite part is the first time Diggory and Polly go to the Woods between the Worlds. I love how these pools of water are portals to multiple worlds, and I can't stop thinking about them and the people and adventures that are in there. I almost wish that Diggory and Polly had seen more of these worlds, because this concept was so interesting to me.
3. There is no big battle, but there is a hint of one to come in the future. But if you change this criteria to "good conclusion", then this definitely applies. All the loose ends are tied up neatly or left for the rest of the books in the series. I love how you learn where the wardrobe came from, how the lamppost is in Narnia, and more.
4. Again, no romance, but that is a good thing in this era where every book has to have a freakin' Romantic Triangle. Plus, you could interpret that Diggory and Polly might have been romantic interests at one point. They do remain friends throughout their lives, so it wouldn't be a huge stretch.
And because my criteria can't contain all the goodness:
5. Humor. Me love some good humor and this book is bursting with it. The banter between the children is amazing; I can't help but laugh at what the animals to do poor Uncle Andrew. And the narrator keeps things so nicely light-hearted and funny, I found myself laughing out loud at work!
6. Diggory is the perfect balance of a curious boy, sweet at heart, yet still mischievous and sometimes mean. I particularly liked his desire to heal his mother, while struggling with obeying Aslan. His choice isn't easy and might mean his mother may always be sick.
7. Good moral lessons. It's not a prerequisite, but I do like books that can tell us not to lie, cheat, steal, be arrogant, and more without clubbing us over the head with it. Even the scene where Aslan and Diggory talk about the fate of our world isn't too bad.
8. Nostalgia. I think this was the first book of the Chronicles of Narnia that my dad read to me when I was younger, so this one particularly holds a dear place in my heart. Plus, I still laugh when I think of "Dem fine woman" and my dad laughing about the line.
I Didn't Like:
Uncle Andrew, particularly in the beginning, almost comes off a little creepy, in a pedophile way. The way he locks the kids in his study and compliments Polly, I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable, even knowing that his actions were far more "benign" (if you can call sending children to a different, unexplored world "benign") than what the scene made me think.
As I said above, I wish Diggory and Polly had had the chance to explore more of the pools.
Some of Aslan's lines made me wince because of their corniness.
Dialogue/Sexual Situations/Violence:
"Dem" in place of da** and at least one instance of "@ss" (which, as this is in British English, is likely referring to the animal).
Uncle Andrew imagines feelings for Jardis. Jardis has bare arms. Some of Uncle Andrew's actions could be construed as creepy.
Jardis reveals to the children that she killed her entire world.
Overall:
Every time I read The Magician's Nephew, I relearn why I love this book so much. Adventure. Good characters. Light-hearted fun. Magic and fantastical worlds. If any of those things appeal to you, I encourage you to get lost in the world of The Magician's Nephew.
Polly and Diggory are two children who live next door to each other in a line of row homes in London. When Polly discovers a tunnel of sorts connecting all the homes in their row, the two decide to go on an adventure, but when they stumble instead into Diggory's Uncle Andrew's study, the children end up on a completely different adventure...to other worlds.
I Liked:
The Magician's Nephew is my most favorite book in the Chronicles of Narnia series. I pretty much love everything about it...the characters, the adventures, the humor, the setting, everything. But since a review that says "I love everything" isn't very interesting or helpful, let me break it down a little more.
As I mentioned in an earlier review, I have a formula for novel that will likely end up on my "OMG THIS IS THE BEST BOOK IN THE UNIVERSE READ IT YESTERDAY!!!":
1. A strong-willed, independent girl
2. A journey or adventure or chase away from "bad guys"
3. A big "life or death" battle
4. A very laid-back romance with a realistic boy (Edward Cullen need not apply)
Again, The Magician's Nephew fulfills all these criteria.
1. Polly is not a throw-away girl. She plays an active part in the adventures and is critical to the story. Her initial disappearance forces Diggory to go after her. Plus, while she is sometimes silly and fearful, she is also practical (she isn't charmed by Jardis and wants to leave the bell and hammer alone) and faithful to her friend (she doesn't leave to go home when she and Diggory are on an adventure to retrieve a fruit).
2. Probably my favorite part is the first time Diggory and Polly go to the Woods between the Worlds. I love how these pools of water are portals to multiple worlds, and I can't stop thinking about them and the people and adventures that are in there. I almost wish that Diggory and Polly had seen more of these worlds, because this concept was so interesting to me.
3. There is no big battle, but there is a hint of one to come in the future. But if you change this criteria to "good conclusion", then this definitely applies. All the loose ends are tied up neatly or left for the rest of the books in the series. I love how you learn where the wardrobe came from, how the lamppost is in Narnia, and more.
4. Again, no romance, but that is a good thing in this era where every book has to have a freakin' Romantic Triangle. Plus, you could interpret that Diggory and Polly might have been romantic interests at one point. They do remain friends throughout their lives, so it wouldn't be a huge stretch.
And because my criteria can't contain all the goodness:
5. Humor. Me love some good humor and this book is bursting with it. The banter between the children is amazing; I can't help but laugh at what the animals to do poor Uncle Andrew. And the narrator keeps things so nicely light-hearted and funny, I found myself laughing out loud at work!
6. Diggory is the perfect balance of a curious boy, sweet at heart, yet still mischievous and sometimes mean. I particularly liked his desire to heal his mother, while struggling with obeying Aslan. His choice isn't easy and might mean his mother may always be sick.
7. Good moral lessons. It's not a prerequisite, but I do like books that can tell us not to lie, cheat, steal, be arrogant, and more without clubbing us over the head with it. Even the scene where Aslan and Diggory talk about the fate of our world isn't too bad.
8. Nostalgia. I think this was the first book of the Chronicles of Narnia that my dad read to me when I was younger, so this one particularly holds a dear place in my heart. Plus, I still laugh when I think of "Dem fine woman" and my dad laughing about the line.
I Didn't Like:
Uncle Andrew, particularly in the beginning, almost comes off a little creepy, in a pedophile way. The way he locks the kids in his study and compliments Polly, I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable, even knowing that his actions were far more "benign" (if you can call sending children to a different, unexplored world "benign") than what the scene made me think.
As I said above, I wish Diggory and Polly had had the chance to explore more of the pools.
Some of Aslan's lines made me wince because of their corniness.
Dialogue/Sexual Situations/Violence:
"Dem" in place of da** and at least one instance of "@ss" (which, as this is in British English, is likely referring to the animal).
Uncle Andrew imagines feelings for Jardis. Jardis has bare arms. Some of Uncle Andrew's actions could be construed as creepy.
Jardis reveals to the children that she killed her entire world.
Overall:
Every time I read The Magician's Nephew, I relearn why I love this book so much. Adventure. Good characters. Light-hearted fun. Magic and fantastical worlds. If any of those things appeal to you, I encourage you to get lost in the world of The Magician's Nephew.
dwssme015's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
_l1zz1e's review against another edition
3.0
the book of genesis if the animals talked and the authors were self aware of its mythicality
kentdubler's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-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
3.75
annadixon76's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
skeeter4366's review against another edition
3.0
This was cute. And it was nice to finally read this as I've watched the movies. And the allegory is honestly v beautiful. Especially as I'm reconsidering what the world of Christianity looks like and honestly God looks like, this paints God in a very loving and complex manor.
v_hankins's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
5.0
A childhood favorite that was an equally wonderful read this time as an adult. Caught on and remembered so much more about the beginning of Narnia, Aslan and much more. CS Lewis truly knows how to craft a timeless story. However, today’s young readers may need help defining a few words as they are out of common use or have different meanings today.
adrian_1987's review against another edition
5.0
Creo que así como en Percy Jackson, este libro también está escrito para niños pero yo con 21 años lo he disfrutado bastante. Al principio la historia me pareció un poco floja pero conforme avanzas en el libro vas entendiendo que todo tienen una razón de ser y todo cobra sentido.
No puedo evitar mencionar las abundantes referencias la Biblia. La creación de Narcisa es literalmente un paralelismo con la creación del planeta tierra mencionando en Génesis (primer libro de la Biblia) y disfruté mucho eso ya que desde chiquito he crecido en un ambiente cristiano.
Para tener tan pocas paginas, creo que los personajes se desarrollan bien y C. S. Lewis logro tener mi atención en un 90% del tiempo. Este 10% restante no me parece que sea causa de restar estrellas porque se ve compensado al final.
La actitud de Aslan hacia los niños, que, cabe resaltar son quienes llevaron a la bruja a un mundo recién creado, es de admirarse. Obviamente Aslan representa a Dios y por eso tiene un comportamiento tan misericordioso, pero se logró darle personalidad propia. Incluso si no tuvieras absoluto conocimiento de las sagradas escrituras es posible entender lo que se dice en el libro e incluso sentir algo súper bonito.
Definitivamente se ha convertido en uno de mis historias favoritos y no sé porqué no había leído esto antes.
Quiero mencionar que las películas me encantaron y eso fue lo que me motivó a leer este primer libro de Las Crónicas de Narnia.
No puedo evitar mencionar las abundantes referencias la Biblia. La creación de Narcisa es literalmente un paralelismo con la creación del planeta tierra mencionando en Génesis (primer libro de la Biblia) y disfruté mucho eso ya que desde chiquito he crecido en un ambiente cristiano.
Para tener tan pocas paginas, creo que los personajes se desarrollan bien y C. S. Lewis logro tener mi atención en un 90% del tiempo. Este 10% restante no me parece que sea causa de restar estrellas porque se ve compensado al final.
La actitud de Aslan hacia los niños, que, cabe resaltar son quienes llevaron a la bruja a un mundo recién creado, es de admirarse. Obviamente Aslan representa a Dios y por eso tiene un comportamiento tan misericordioso, pero se logró darle personalidad propia. Incluso si no tuvieras absoluto conocimiento de las sagradas escrituras es posible entender lo que se dice en el libro e incluso sentir algo súper bonito.
Definitivamente se ha convertido en uno de mis historias favoritos y no sé porqué no había leído esto antes.
Quiero mencionar que las películas me encantaron y eso fue lo que me motivó a leer este primer libro de Las Crónicas de Narnia.