The Chronicles of Narnia (Books) :: A Certain Swagger
A well covered and never dusty set of tomes!
The Chronicles of Narnia are ripe for discussion, praise, and criticism. Scholars from every realm of study have read these books and argue over their social and religious ideas. Written by C.S. Lewis over the course of seven odd years, they are books modeled after fables and fairy tales, though many of the themes contained within their plots deal with very adult themes.
Usually, children’s stories have a lesson to teach the reader. Just look at the brothers Grimm or Aesop for prime examples. Very rarely, though, do those works begin to deal with such complicated situations like original sin, the death and ressurection of christ, the jewish exodus from egypt, or the end of days. All that and more waits for the reader of Lewis’ best known works. These books are ideal for both the young and the lapsed fantasy enthusiasts. Easy to read, but no less deep, the Chronicles offer plenty of brain food that you can mull over by yourself or in groups.
Personally, I read them all at a young age, then decided to read them again roughly ten years later. It was an interesting experience, picking up all the subtle allusions to both christianity and the often uncited references to other world religions. I recommend this series for new readers of any age, and for those with a group of friends liable to discuss the points raised by the books.
Further up and further in, friends of Narnia.
