To fulfil one of the prompts for the Buzzwordathon I reread this last book in the Narnia series. It was… not the experience I had expected.
Of course, I got all of the nostalgia feels. I first read this series borrowing books from one of the teachers in my school. And I loved them so much my parents had to get me my own copies. I’ve since reread them more times than I can count and I know the stories like the back of my hand. I’ve never read them as an adult though.
And that’s where the issue lies. These books are so prejudice. They’re sexist, racist, this one specifically is Islamophobic, and many other problems aside. They actually cast a very poor light on Christianity in my (ironic) opinion.
These are not books that can be read for the first time today. I will still always hold them in a special place in my heart, and I’m grateful I have the nostalgia around them. To me, the Narnia in my head will always be progressive, and caring towards all. But I would not give these books to a child to read. Not when there are so many modern books out that are so much better in their representation and their messages.
So it was a little sad to read this one, but I’m also glad that I know so I don’t recommend this wrongly to someone. If you really do want to read them, I won’t stop you! But go in knowing what to expect.
On CAWPILE I gave this book:
Characters: 8, Atmosphere: 9, Writing: 6, Plot: 8, Intrigue: 8, Logic: 7, Enjoyment: 9 (purely nostalgia), and that overall gives a score of 7.86 which is a 4 star.
Again it’s a 4 star with caveats. But a 4 star for me nonetheless.
Abi of Pellinor 