They're classics. They've been at the top of my "To Read" list for who knows how long. So why has it taken me this long to read "The Chronicles of Narnia"?
Maybe it's because half of the people I've asked claim that they are the most boring books on the face of the Earth. But then again, the other half says that this series is a timeless classic that I must read at once.
To get myself motivated to stay on top of reading, I decided to blog each book and share those blogs with you, my fellow Whyvillians. Each week my blog will include a short summary and my general thoughts. I tried to make it as spoiler-free as possible, but I would advise reading the books before you read this. I hope you enjoy these blogs, and maybe you can read along with me!
Book One: The Magician's Nephew
Digory Kirk is a young country boy who moves into the heart of London because his mother is ill and they need family members to help care for her. He befriends a young girl named Polly, and to occupy their time they explore their houses. Digory and Polly come across Digory's uncle, Uncle Andrew, in the attic. Via magic yellow rings, Uncle Andrew sends Polly into another world, and Digory goes after her, carrying the rings that will take them home. In this other, apparently lifeless world, Digory awakens an evil witch/queen named Jadis who follows them back to our world. She wrecks havoc over here, trying to "take over" our world. Again using the rings, Polly and Digory take Jadis to another world, bringing along Uncle Andrew, a cabman, and his horse as well. It is completely dark in this world, until the lion Aslan sings a song and it is made into a brand new world: Narnia, with talking animals, mythical creatures, and beautiful landscape. However, Digory has already brought an evil into this world (evil Queen Jadis), and he (along with Polly) is sent on a quest to make up for it, and he might just save his dying mother along the way.
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this book mostly because of the likable and believable characters. Polly and Digory make a spectacular duo, Digory being the more adventurous one while Polly being more sensible. And, of course, I loved the repeated quote, "Isn't that just like a boy/girl?"
Uncle Andrew is a very well-written and very annoying character, right up until the last line in the book. Sometimes I just wanted to punch him in the face. On a similar note, Queen Jadis was an intimidating antagonist in the other worlds, yet somewhat comical in our own.
The plot moved forward at an even pace, and the description of the birth of a new world was breathtaking. I thought this book was great, and I would recommend it to most people.
Points of Interest:
- The Deplorable Word: Queen Jadis tells the two children that there was a word that, if spoken, would destroy every living thing under the sun except the person who spoke it. Queen Jadis learned the word and used it, which is why her world is lifeless, except for her. It's an interesting and horrifying thought, to have that much power. Perhaps it will come up later in the series?
- The Wood Between The Worlds: I don't know about you, but this place scares me brainless. It's a lovely little forest with little pools of water that take you to different places. Then why is it so scary? For one, the moment Polly and Digory step foot in the place, they become completely relaxed and think that they have been in the wood forever. For another, how are you supposed to remember what pool takes you home? You could be eternally lost in that forest.
- The Theme: The theme is that you need to take responsibility for your actions. Digory must do this when he awakens the queen and then takes her to Narnia. In the end, however, he is rewarded.
One down, six to go. Reading and blogging this book was actually fun! Maybe I can finish this series without breaking down and sobbing.
Join in my discussions in the BBS! What things do you think will be in future books? Do you think that the theme is something different? The discussions are endless!
-singel12
