Book Review: The Magician’s Nephew
I have been spending my mornings and early afternoons in Bible study and book study (meaning I am going through a book & study guide) every day. And after a quit time with Sid, I end my day with some “pleasure” or “recreational” reading. And I decided that I wanted to re-re-read through the entire Chronicles of Narnia. And the first book is The Magician’s Nephew.
I am a huge fan of C.S. Lewis, known to many as the author of such great literary pieces as The Screwtape Letters,or more thought provoking works, such as Mere Christianity. And no matter how much C.S. Lewis I read, I always find myself wanting to re-enter the land of Narnia.
Few people know that The Magician’s Nephew was is actually the 6th book in the Narnia series, but it was intended to be a prequel, including references the origins of Narnia, the White Witch, and even the famous Lantern in the Woods. And as such, needs to be read first, even before The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
But don’t let the children’s book facade fool you, The Magician’s Nephew, much like Lewis’ other fiction works, includes a compelling story, thoughtful allegories to the Christian faith, and uncommon wisdom that transcends all religions.
Of of my favorite quotes from The Magician’s Nephew, providing insight as only C.S. Lewis can articulate, states, “For what you see and hear depends a good deal on where you are standing; it also depends on what kind of person you are.”
In the future, I look forward to sharing Narnia with my children, and I hope that if you have children, or are a child at heart, you would read through the entire 7 book Narnia series. It will entertain you, and I believe that it just might make you a better person.
Other C. S. Lewis Recommendations
I love this book and have taken it to camp to read at night to get campers to unwind and get some rest [real-speak: shut up and let me sleep]. It was a big hit with them and did the trick. I love the symbols, probably my favorite is the when that “dem fine woman” takes the lamp post from our world into Narnia and how the wardrobe is made from the apple tree grown from the seed Digory brings to our world – amazing weaving of elements, characters and plot to transport us into a story where we can hear gems like the quote you mention!
Thanks for the comment and it was great to hear from you. I agree about The Magician’s Nephew. Narnia is one of my favorite series, but the Space Trilogy is my all-time favorite.
Much love and peace