I knew I was going to like this book but I didn’t think I would love it. The writing of Narnia’s origins is beautiful. Diggory’s journey in Narnia is meaningful, heartbreaking, and heartwarming all at the same time. Would definitely recommend this book to others. ❤️

About as good as I remembered it from childhood (not ever my favorite in the series, but ok).

There were definitely details I appreciated as an adult about Lewis' storytelling that my younger self didn't notice (ex. the children's age-appropriate struggle to do a math sum, the cartoonish self-centeredness of the uncle, the relationship of Strawberry the horse and his cabby, the maid who is having a simply wonderful day of watching the drama unfold, etc.).

I did find the theology a little confusing when applied to children, especially the idea that Aslan would send children on a mission but not tell them what is at stake (eternal unhappiness) if they don't do exactly as they're told. I don't like dire consequences as a punishment for minor infractions committed by children, especially a child who's disobedience would be driven by wanting to heal a dying mother. It's a little too tight of an analogy to the biblical Genesis Creation and Fall narrative, and I wish the connection had been a bit less literal, and a bit less moralistic and fear-inducing for children.

I do think the final warning from Aslan, that great evil committed by power-hungry and uncaring national leaders might cause a literal end to this world is a bit out of place in a children's story. However, I don't think I picked up on that as a kid. I do think the advent of nuclear weapons weighted heavily on Lewis and his contemporaries though, and it is interesting to see that message come through in this story.

I do love the ending that Lewis gave Polly in particular.

I love this book!!

I'm mad at how much I like this book! It's a genuinely very enjoyable read! Reading this in association with Paradise Lost created a reading experience full of fun easter eggs.

can always count on clive to plagiarize the bible