'The Magician's Nephew' by C.S. Lewis is the prequel to the beloved 'Chronicles of Narnia' series, showcasing the origin story of Narnia itself. The book follows two young children, Digory and Polly, as they embark on a magical adventure to another world after being tricked by Digory's uncle. Through their journey, they awaken the evil Queen Jadis, travel to Narnia, and witness the creation of this fantastical land through Aslan's song. The story is filled with wonder, beauty, fear, and joy, appealing to both children and adults alike, and setting the foundation for the rest of the series.
The narrative style of 'The Magician's Nephew' is described as enchanting, imaginative, and beautifully written. Readers appreciate the detailed world-building, nuanced themes, and humor present in the book. The allegorical elements, biblical references, and the introduction of key characters such as Aslan and the White Witch add depth and complexity to the story, making it a captivating read that sparks a sense of adventure and imagination.
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From The Publisher:
Digory and Polly discover a secret passage that links their homes, and they are taken into the World of Charn, where they wake up the evil Queen Jadis. There, they witness the creation of the Land of Narnia as it is sung into being by the Great Lion, Aslan. When Digory and Polly attempt to send the wicked witch, Jadis, back to her own world, the magic gets mixed up and they all land in Narnia, where they witness Aslan blessing the animals with human speech.
The Magician's Nephew is a prequel to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, but was the sixth book written by C.S. Lewis in the Chronicles of Narnia series. It is considered to be the first in the series by those wishing to read the books in chronological rather than publishing order.
Ratings (103)
Incredible (25) | |
Loved It (41) | |
Liked It (18) | |
It Was OK (15) | |
Did Not Like (3) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (136):
Read It (110) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (16) | |
Not Interested (9) |
4 comment(s)
It was the first book of the Chronicles of Narnia that I ever came across and the one that I have read the most.
Some of the characters are still with me, and I love how Lewis' prose and Pauline Baynes' illustrations combine beautifully.
This is the first book I've read from "The Chronicles of Narnia", and I thought it was a great prequel to "The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe". I'm sure I'll really enjoy having the information from this book as I progress in the series. I'm reading the series out of order, as it is how C.S. Lewis wanted them read after the publication of all 7 books. I'm sure I'll enjoy the next books.
It’s been ages since I visited Narnia. After a very unpleasant trip to Perelandra a couple years ago (Lewis’s Out of the Silent Planet sci-fi trilogy) I was worried that I wouldn’t enjoy Lewis’s writing in Narnia. Those fears were totally unfounded.
I forgot almost the entire story of this one somehow, and it almost felt like experiencing it again for the first time. I have a couple of thoughts.
1. It’s very clear that JK Rowling took a LOT of inspiration from CS Lewis’s Narnia series. A quick google search shows that my intuition was well-founded. She was inspired by the story of Narnia. I’d argue she was also influenced by Lewis’s writing style. The tone, atmosphere, and balance of light-hearted comedy with series themes… it’s all very similar.
2. I agree with the argument that this book shouldn’t be a person’s first introduction to Narnia, but I think it makes an excellent starting point for anyone who is doing a second read or has already seen the movie (speaking of that, I think we’re supposed to get some new Narnia movies or shows from Netflix soon). The foreshadowing and origin story stuff is really cool.
3. I’m bummed that Lewis didn’t write his Space Trilogy the same way he wrote these books. He isn’t Douglas Adams, but I did find myself laughing out loud on several occasions. Those space books could have been classics… instead they’re (in my opinion) almost unreadable for the general public.
4. Aslan’s tears and words about grief hit harder after having read Lewis’s A Grief Observed and The Problem of Pain. The man was writing from experience.
I read this series numerous times as a child. I liked
The Magician's Nephew, but the characters and storyline weren't my favorite when compared to the other books.
What can you read after
The Magician's Nephew?
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