Against all odds, this is one of the two Narnia books I’ve never actually read, despite having grown up with the others and hearing from more than a few people that this one’s their favorite of the series. But hey, I get it now! This delivers on all the whimsical promises of adventure the series is known for, and does so with a focus less on plot or stakes and more on the sheer enjoyment, discovery, and transformation that comes from undergoing a great journey. Lewis’ descriptions of that journey might rank amongst his very best, too, and I loved how eagerly he seized every opportunity to introduce an exciting new idea or setting to his growing world. I also loved how openly he detests Eustace for much of the first act. It led to some excellent bits of comedy and made his eventual transformation all the more moving and effective. 

That said, I do find it a little odd how Eustace essentially vanishes from the story after completing his character arc. After operating as the closest thing the book has to a protagonist for most of the first half (and a little more), Lewis seems to forget he’s still around, which is somewhat of a bummer considering how different the group dynamic would’ve felt if the new and improved Eustace had been more of an active presence. I feel similarly about parts of the plot, which has a general habit of getting distracted by side quests. But that’s a significantly less pressing critique since the book seems built as a near-anthology of mini-quests within a grander quest, and that structure pays off far more often and with far more success than otherwise. I don’t think it’ll replace my favorite(s) in the series, but it absolutely flew to the upper echelon. It was the perfect audiobook to listen to while going on various trips with my spouse this month.