Escape to Narnia

Need a literary escape from life's stresses? Look no further than C.S. Lewis's beloved classic, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." Far from being just another children's book, this opening volume of the Chronicles of Narnia series offers a uniquely restorative reading experience that transcends age barriers and belief systems.

During a particularly challenging period of AP exams, I found myself drawn back to Narnia—and discovered you can indeed go home again. Finishing the book in a single evening reminded me why this story continues to captivate readers decades after its publication. Yes, it functions as a Christian allegory with Aslan representing Christ's redemption through sacrifice, but the tale's appeal extends far beyond religious boundaries. The writing strikes that perfect balance—engaging and accessible without being oversimplified, making it ideal for readers of all ages seeking comfort in turbulent times.

What truly sets this modern fairy tale apart is its character development. Aslan brings comfort and reassurance while demonstrating profound sacrifice, while young Lucy Pevensie emerges as the embodiment of "small but mighty"—unwavering in her belief in goodness and imagination despite being the youngest Pevensie. The story teaches us to face difficulties with stoicism and bravery, offering universal lessons wrapped in magical adventures. Whether you're discovering Narnia for the first time or returning after many years, this timeless classic welcomes all visitors with open arms. When was the last time you stepped through the wardrobe?

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello bookworms and welcome back, or welcome to TLDR
, the podcast, where I talkabout all the books that are on
your TBR or should be on yourTBR, or just notable books that
I think you should read, so youdon't have to go searching for
those recommendations yourselfor kind of read those books
before knowing what you'regetting yourself into.

(00:23):
I do have a second part of theSummer Summer Reaping episode
coming, hopefully soon.
I have not had time to finishthe book yet due to AP exams I'm
a woman of the AP exam people,anyway.
So today we are talking about aclassic children's book that I

(00:44):
think every person should read,especially in the midst of a
stressful situation like Icurrently am with those AP exams
.
Um, we are talking about theLion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
by CS Lewis from the Chroniclesof Narnia series.
Now, you might say this is likethe most basic book, or this is
literally a little kid's book.
Like what are you talking about?

(01:06):
Why are you recommending it?
Well, I just read the book inone night, mind you.
So it was a very quick read,read very worth it.
Um, but it's a quick read thatis very restorative.
Um, so it is common knowledgethat it is an allegory for
Christ and Christ's redemptionof sinners through his sacrifice

(01:31):
on the cross.
However, I'd say that it canbring comfort to literally any
person, regardless of beliefsystem.
It is such a well-told andwell-crafted fairy tale.
Truly, it is like a modernfairy tale.

(01:54):
The writing style is soengaging and so easy to read,
but not oversimplified.
So, yes, it is a children'sbook and yes, it is a fairy tale
.
It is written in a way that itcan be enjoyed by any age, which
makes it a great book to readif you are trying to get like a

(02:16):
younger kid into reading and umwant to be able to read
something that you will bothenjoy.
Why?
The witch in the wardrobe?
Basically anything fromchronicles of Narnia.
My favorite is the horse andhis boy.
I Love that book.
It's so good.
That's one of my favorites inthe series.
I also really like boy to theDawn Treader and Do love why.

(02:40):
I'm watching the wardrobe.
Prince of Caspian is myfavorite movie, though, and
we're talking the movies, whichare really good.
The movie for Lion, the Witchand the Wardrobe is extremely
book-accurate and I love to seethat.
Anyway, it is a great book forall ages all ages.

(03:09):
It is so comforting to read thecharacter of Aslan, who
represents Christ, and the waythat he interacts with the four
kids, the Pevensies Lucy, edmund, susan and Peter, is just so
calming and sweet and reassuring.
The way that Aslan sacrificeshimself to redeem Edmund, yet

(03:29):
never tells Edmund of thehorrors that he went through in
order to save Edmund's life Um,it's beautiful and I absolutely
love it.
Um, it talks about gatheringstrength.
Um, facing difficulties teachesyou how to face difficulties.

(03:52):
Um, with stoicism and bravery.
Um, and yes, while I would saythis book is more comforting to
Christians such as myselfbecause of the biblical
principles that it harkens backto, I would say that the idea
that you know, like the lessonsand messages that are purveyed

(04:14):
through it, such as um, I'mtrying to think of one, um, lucy
.
Just the character of lucy.
Now, she is the smallest of thepebbins, she's the youngest
girl, but she is so strong andstrong in her belief in goodness
and her imagination and herperception.

(04:36):
It just highlights how we canbe small but mighty.
And I, just, I love so muchabout this book.
I could go on about it for ages, but you have a life to get
back to.
So, all that being said,chronicles of Narnia series as a
whole, but specifically theLion witch and the wardrobe is a
wonderful fairy tale, um, toldin an engaging style.

(04:57):
Um, that it is hard.
It's hard to dislike it, Iwould say.
You have to like, try to hateit.
You have to work to hate it, inmy opinion, but that's all I
have to say about that.
So I'll see you next time.
Bookworms.