Book Review: The Magician’s Nephew

Some time ago I got as a present this exclusive hardcover edition of the full Chronicles of Narnia which is, by the way, an excellent compilation including beautiful pictures. A few days ago, I finished “The Magician’s Nephew” which is actually the sixth book published in the series but it makes more sense to read it first. Why? Because this book is a prequel that reveals much needed information about the other books and why and how Narnia, the Lion, the Witch and Wardrobe came to exist. C. S. Lewis himself wanted the book to be read first.

About the Story

Spoiler Alert!

The book follows the story of two kids – Polly and Digory – who sneak into the attic of Digory’s uncle and from then on get themselves into all kinds of unexpected situations. Digory’s uncle turns out to be a magician who gives them extraordinary rings which possess the ability to transport to other dimensions. Polly and Digory find themselves among the ruins of the Kingdom of Charn where they unintentionally wake the evil Queen Jadis that we remember from “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. After a series of unfortunate events, Queen Jadis is eventually brought to the newly created world of Narnia. Aslan, the Lion, gives the special task to Digory to procure and plant a magical fruit which will protect Narnia from the Witch. Digory is eventually rewarded for his help and Aslan allows him to take back home from the magical fruit to heal his dying mother. The story finishes with a happy ending with Narnia being protected from the evil Witch by the tree that Digory planted and with Digory’s mother recovering from the deadly illness.

The Style and Feelings

“The Magician’s Nephew” is my first Narnia book that I read only now at the age of 22. Even though it can be regarded by many as a kids book, the work has deeper meaning and inspirations which are better grasped and appreciated by an adult. Thus, I can say with certainty that it is an entertaining, insightful, light and quick read for both children and adults. The book itself brought me a very calm feeling despite being full of adventures. The author elaborates on all the details and paints the pictures so vividly that even I, a person that is not very fond of long descriptions, was pleased to read it and imagine the views. There was something truly magical in the way the creation of Narnia was told in this story.

The references to the Bible, especially in the part when Narnia is created, as well as to various other sources (for instance Aslan means lion in Turkish) are quite clear and used in a very masterful way. Having read some of the biography of C. S. Lewis, it is nice to see how he used personal experience to tell the story and how his knowledge and feelings about Christianity are also included indirectly. As the foreword by his step son, Douglas Gresham, goes, Narnia is indeed the place that you carry within you, a well-known place like home, where you can return to seek comfort and peace. These are exactly the feelings that I felt upon finishing “The Magician’s Nephew” and I’m sure the same will apply for the rest of the books.

Have you read any of the Narnia books? When did you read them and which one is your favorite? Feel free to share with me in the comments!

Sincerely Yours,

D. D.