Novel: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Author: C.S. Lewis

Target Audience: 8 and up

Genre: Fantasy

Publication Year: 1950

Setting: England during WWII; Narnia under the reign of the White Witch

A Favorite Quote: “Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”

My One Sentence Summary: Four children discover a hidden a world inside a wardrobe where they are destined to fulfill a prophecy that will break the White Witch’s evil spell of continuous winter.

What I loved about this book: I love the mystery and excitement of this novel. Who doesn’t wish that they would open a closet door and find themselves transported to a magical world? The book is about love and redemption and forgiveness. There is an epic battle between good and evil, characterized by rich symbolism that enhances (but does not overwhelm) the plot. There are talking beavers and battles and characters that are turned into stone. Lastly, I love the omniscient narrator and the overall tone of the story—to me, it feels as if a grandparent is relating a fantastical bedtime story.

 Major themes: Betrayal and forgiveness, the power of sacrificial love; the triumph of good over evil  

Who should read this book: Fantasy lovers will likely appreciate this book, as will Christian readers. Lewis’s fiction is marked by religious allusion and those who understand his references will likely enjoy this novel.