How I got through my childhood and beyond without reading this series, I don't quite know, but it is truly regrettable that I did. The recent movies brought the series to my attention. This is the first--the beginning of Narnia. It is certainly not the most well-known of the seven books but it tells much that makes the later stories more understandable and enjoyable. From here, you believe in Narnia as a true place with a true history (at least as long as you are turning pages).

Yes, the writing is quaint and more reminiscent of The Hobbit than the Lord of the Rings, simply because it is definitely written for a young audience in an era that was much simpler. However, do not think the story to be trite or dated--it is not. There is much the same sense of morality and parable present here as in the watered-down Grimm's or the stories of Hans Christian Andersen. Christian parallels do exist, but not in such a way that non-believers are repulsed. That, perhaps, is this tale's greatest contribution to the world--that a non-Christian can be exposed to so much of God's love in such an innocent fashion. No judgement or condemnation is felt--the characters are all given choices and consequences.

This is yet another series that is well worth re-reading, not only for children but adults as well.

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