Sunday, May 15, 2011

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA

Gentle Readers,

I love the book series The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis. I didn't read the books for the first time until Favorite Young Man was eight years old. A lovely friend gave us the entire series and explained to me that they were allegories. I read the books aloud and everyone listened. Even the youngest member of our family, not quite two years old, learned to say Dawn Treader.

Now I enjoy the movies based on the books. The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe has me in tears every time I see it when Aslan, the lion who symbolizes Jesus, gives his life to redeem Edmund, and thus, all of humankind. It really personalizes Christ's sacrifice for us. Aslan is simply beautiful. I don't know if he's a computer creation, and I don't want to know. His majesty is amazing and lovely, and he has the voice of Liam Neeson.

Since then I have also enjoyed Prince Caspian, and most recently because it's fairly new to DVD and I can't really afford movies in theaters, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. I saw it last week and absolutely loved it. The quality of these productions is superb. They are suitable for just about all ages (might be too frightening for children younger than five, but you know your child better than I do), and if you want to teach children more about the tenets of Christianity, here's a great opportunity.

Furthermore, the young actor who plays Caspian is hotter than a firecracker, and the younger actor who plays Eustace is suitably obnoxious. The Voyage of The Dawn Treader is Eustace's coming of age and coming to Christianity story, while Edmund and Lucy bid us farewell for now.

I recommend you watch all three of the movies out so far, whether you have children or not. They are excellent.

Infinities of love,

Lola

The C. S. in C. S. Lewis stood for Clive Staples, but Lewis was commonly known as Jack, certainly a more friendly and accessible name.

4 comments:

  1. I remember reading those books a hundred years ago, if I ever have time I should take up reading again. Oh wait, I'd have to give up blogging.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Then please do not read Mrs. Tuna. However, I have a suggestion that might help you make time for reading. Carry a book everywhere you go and while you're waiting for that pesky root canal or boob-smooshing mammogram, read.

    Love,
    Lola

    ReplyDelete
  3. I loved the books as a kid, too. Didn't realize they were Christian allegories until years later. They stand on their own as great stories even if you don't recognize the allegory. Then again, the stories in the Bible that the Narnia tales are based on are great stories, too, whether you see them as divine truth or not... I haven't seen the movies yet -- I've just got to make time for them. Maybe this summer... Thanks for the review.

    ReplyDelete
  4. They are perfect for family movie nights. I believe your children are old enough for them.

    Love,
    Lola

    ReplyDelete

Got your panties in a bunch? Dig 'em out, get comfortable, and let's chat.