52 in 1: A Year in Books

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe; Prince Caspian; The Voyage of the "Dawn Treader" by C.S. Lewis

We've all heard of the classic Chronicles of Narnia series by the scholarly atheist-turned-Christian C.S. Lewis. If we didn't read at least the first book in elementary school, the teacher probably tuned us in to a cartoon or mini-series adaptation. Or more recently, we could've seen the live-action, big budget movies of the first two.

I read The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe in 3rd grade, and saw a cartoon adaptation. Beyond that, I had little exposure save the two blockbuster movies. Mandy got me a neat, 1970s-era box set of the seven books in the Chronicles, numbered as the author intended - in publication order, not according to internal chronology. And so, I set out to discover if they are as "classic" as I've been lead to believe (and clear the palate after Why We Hate Us).

Well, 2009 started off smashingly, as they might say!

1. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe - we know the story of the four Pevensie children who travel to a magical land through a household wardrobe, aiding the talking animals of Narnia against the forces of the (White) Queen. Along the way, they meet Aslan, Christ-metaphor and leader of the Narnians, discover his bravery, their own worth because of it and the meaning of sacrifice. All very well and good. But a monument to (all ages) lit?

I think so, yes. The story is brisk and entertaining, the characters likeable enough (though the writing is quite very English, and a little stiffer than our relaxed variant) and the ideas behind the tale appealing to most. There are some that will be turned off to the religious allegory, but it's also a morality tale, as are many kid's books and classics.

2. Prince Caspian - Not as good as the above. In fact, from what I've read this is the low point. Much of the action takes place with a new slate of human characters, the Telmarines, who have conquered Narnia and subjugated or outlawed the native (animal) Narnians. The military and political maneuverings that might've worked so well in a longer-form fantasy novel here seemed crammed into an adventure story.

While the titular character, Telmarine noble Prince Caspian, is fleeing for his life from his wicked uncle and rallying the Narnians, the four Pevensie children are back again, finding Narnia overgrown and wild, far different from the peaceful kingdom they left. As the two stories link up, the book becomes more engaging overall, but never captures the magic of the first.

3. The Voyage of the "Dawn Treader" - looked upon by many as the best Narnia book, I approached with trepidation this completely unknown story. Having the first two theatrical adaptations fresh in my mind, I knew their plots and if I'd be entertained as an adult reading books that are, truthfully, aimed at a younger audience. Glad I gave "Dawn Treader" a shot.

"Dawn Treader" works on a number of levels - as adventure, philosophy, coming-of-age story, treatise on death - and they all succeed as a richer story than either the preceeding two books. There's less Aslan and talking animals; this is a mariner's tale, sailing past the comfort of coastal waters into the unknown and perhaps over the edge of the world.

Two of the four Pevensies are back, Edmund and Lucy, and they've brought their spoiled cousin Eustace (who resembles Edmund as he was characterized in the first book, before he matured). Prince Caspian now leads the Narnian and Telmarine kingdom, and he sets off to find the lost seven lords, discover what the map does not show, if the legends of the open water are true and if long-rumored islands of peril, mystery and riches abound.

I won't spoil the story or its rewards, but I do recommend it. This was a quick & engaging read for me, though it's longer than the other two books. As an adult, you might treasure this reading experience far more than your kids. Moreso than the previous volumes, "Dawn Treader" is an excellent "bedtime" book or rainy day read; the narrative drive moves smoothly between adventures.