Feb 26, 2012 |
Reading time: 2 days
What I loved best: All of it. Seriously.
This isn’t really a book review, because I can’t give much away for those who have yet to read it. Even in my other Narnian reviews, I gave a few things away.
I put off reading this, because it’s the last book in the series. And I knew it meant the end. In fact, the very first sentence starts, “In the last days of Narnia…”
It was very bittersweet to me. I just did not want my reading journey to end. Yes, they’re written as children’s books, but filled with wonderful quotes. Yes, I’m a mid-life mom, but I love fables and stories. Yes, I cried. A lot. I’m terribly sentimental, and just to know this was the last of new Narnian adventures for me made me sad.
But how it turned out… well… it’s Narnia. Full of wonderful, magical creatures. Daring adventures and battles. Lessons to be learned and characters to count on.
I can only describe it as Pure Joy, that I have finished the journey… and get to go again, any time I want.
C.S. Lewis is absolutely magical in his writing. There is no greater, more inspiring, ability than to take one’s breath away by the words you write. I recommend all the Narnia stories, but especially this one.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Feb 1, 2012 |
Reading Time: 3 days
[but admittedly, I started three weeks ago, read one day then didn’t pick it up again until yesterday.]
What I loved best: With each new adventure into Narnia comes new characters and creatures. Puddlegum was a great addition to the Children’s endeavors. (And with my current affinity for frogs, I loved his description which I believe to be part scarecrow, part frog). I also loved that Aslan kept showing the way, even when the characters were lost, or belligerent, or forgetful. He kept His patience, and continued to remind them of their important tasks.
The Lady and her magic are wonderfully displayed in Lewis’ description. As with the other Narnia tales, this story tells of one adventure from start to finish, but the little anecdotes and stories within the story make it a great read.
It portrays, as in real life, how hard it is to sometimes see Good vs. Evil: what you think is delightful turns out to be your downfall (remember Edmund’s desire for turkish delight in The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe?). It also has a great redeeming message that it’s never too late to do the Right Thing.
While most of the Narnia tales are somewhat predictable along the journey, this was a great book that had me guessing throughout the entire story of what I could trust by means of characters, settings, and even my own ideas. It’s definitely a great addition to the series.
Jan 9, 2012 |
Started: January 1, 2012
Finished: January 8, 2012
[*It didn’t take me that long to read; I just had a few Do Nothing Days this last week. Actual reading was three days.]
What I loved best: While I always enjoy the return of our beloved Children and Aslan, I’d have to say my favorite part of this book was the character of Reepicheep, the Valiant Mouse. Most consider a mouse to be too small to be of any great assistance but Reepicheep doesn’t know that about himself. He thinks he has much to offer, and behaves so.
I also loved the many adventures in this story. It seemed that no sooner did one small event wrap up than everyone found themselves heading toward the still distant horizon.
Life is never what we expect it to be, and even though we can direct the paths in a general way, there will always be other people, other elements, other adventures that take us to places unthought of. Unthought of, but never unworthy. Just because it’s not the path we chose, that doesn’t mean it’s not the right path. It just means we don’t know it yet.
Jan 3, 2012 |
Started: December 29, 2011
Finished: December 31, 2011
What I loved best: There were several elements that I pondered during, and after, reading this book.
The first was that while the prior three books seemed to have one linear storyline, Prince Caspian had two storylines going at first: The Prince, and the Children. Of course they meet up in the book, and I won’t ruin it for those who have yet to read the series by giving any more details. But in the course of reading, I was consumed by one story and then reminder of the other. It was a refreshing roller-coaster ride.
The second was the character of Trufflehunter the Badger. I loved that he claimed his ancestors’ faith as his own, insisting that “Badgers don’t change.” He often repeated this when others questioned him. He never questioned his beliefs. He just kept believing. His faith gave him strength in times of uncertainty.
The third element was of course the return of Aslan and how the other characters reacted to Him. Again, I won’t give any more details for those who haven’t read the book, with this exception: Aslan’s individual relationships offered differing interactions with each character, and I held my breath at each introduction. How the others reacted to His presence was at times endearing, tearful, and full of joy.
It was a wonderful sampling of how mankind turns to (or away from) the God who created us, who still loves us, and who fights for us even if we don’t want the fight or feel worthy of someone else’s attentions.
I’m more than halfway through the Chronicles of Narnia series and all I can say (without giving you details you don’t yet want) is: read the series for yourself. No matter what your age, you’ll get a great joy out of the easy-to-read stories and continuing characters. Lewis’ writing style is not one to be missed.
Trust me.
Dec 30, 2011 |
Started: December 28, 2011
Finished: December 28, 2011
What I loved best: This story truly did center on a Horse named Bree, and the boy, Shasta. I loved the way Lewis took a common animal and gave it voice, not only in being a Talking Animal, but in performance, character, behavior… if it had been a Dumb Animal, his portrayal would still have kept me reading.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the few Cats in the book, in particular of course, The Lion. The other cats, and the several lions throughout the book, were quite different than reading about horses, but very enjoyable.
I enjoyed the animal portrayals. Just like humans, there are some who are smart and some who are dumb; some who are Good and some who are Not. Lewis’ descriptions of the actions and the environments were delicious to read and quite visual. There is no doubt I now see things as he wanted them seen.
I again found myself thinking, reading, and even speaking with English accents. [My daughter should be glad when I’m onto my next series, perhaps a good Western twang will be fun for a month.] I want to tell you so much more about this book, but I don’t want to ruin it for those who have yet to read the series. So all I can say right now is, read them. Narnia is a beautiful place, and you must visit. Often. Now. Always.
Aslan’s waiting.
