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A review by billyjepma
Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.0
Of the Narnia books I’ve revisited this far, this one might be the most interesting, but not for the reasons I expected. It’s interesting in a more formal way, as you can feel Lewis’ enjoyment at revisiting this world, growing it further, and letting the Pevensie children see it through new eyes. Those elements are as lovely as ever and give the narrative a different vibe than The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. But in that same breath, the actual story here is thin, often lacking the emotional scale or thematic depth of its predecessor. It almost feels like Lewis was experiencing sequel fatigue of some sort, as he retreads a lot of similar territories (the battle at the end is the biggest example of this) from TLTWATW.
Caspian’s backstory section might be the standout specifically because it deviates from the familiar elements the series is famous for. But outside that single section, he drifts into the background and practically disappears from the story. The number of ideas in the story is great; they just lack the same focus Lewis usually brings to his writing.
But even then, there’s no denying how effortlessly enjoyable this is. It is fun to see the Pevensies as slightly older and more experienced, with Edmund being the standout, having undergone the most dramatic character arc previously. Their dynamic feels natural, and their playful banter and bickering are the best. I was especially fond of the Dear Little Friend they encountered. I almost wish more time was devoted to hanging out with them in the woods. That entire section is so cozy, and I love how much of Lewis’ writing is generally really good at capturing the vibe you get as a kid when you’re hanging out at a fire pit. It’s the best.
Caspian’s backstory section might be the standout specifically because it deviates from the familiar elements the series is famous for. But outside that single section, he drifts into the background and practically disappears from the story. The number of ideas in the story is great; they just lack the same focus Lewis usually brings to his writing.
But even then, there’s no denying how effortlessly enjoyable this is. It is fun to see the Pevensies as slightly older and more experienced, with Edmund being the standout, having undergone the most dramatic character arc previously. Their dynamic feels natural, and their playful banter and bickering are the best. I was especially fond of the Dear Little Friend they encountered. I almost wish more time was devoted to hanging out with them in the woods. That entire section is so cozy, and I love how much of Lewis’ writing is generally really good at capturing the vibe you get as a kid when you’re hanging out at a fire pit. It’s the best.