I’ll admit that lately I’ve rediscovered my love of all things Narnia. I’ve watched the movies countless times and have taken to rereading the series. As I make my way through the series, I noticed several things: #1 that I don’t remember getting past The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as a child and #2 that depending on who you talk to, the books are numbered differently, which bothers me. The edition of The Silver Chair that I have (which was purchased at a thrift store, incidentally) is labeled as Book 4 (out of 7) in the series. Other editions list it as Book 5. But that, as they say, is another blog post, right?
But anyway, I enjoyed the Silver Chair, probably more than The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, mostly because I found the Dawn Treader’s adventures rather odd with the invisible hopping creatures. The Silver Chair’s escapades, however, I found to be less fantastic although I’m not sure why. I think it’s because we are reunited with Caspian who was in two previous stories.
The Silver Chair reunites us with Eustace and a new friend, Jill as they embark on their journey as dictated by Aslan the Lion. I think one of the main reasons I neglected to finish the series when I was younger is that I found it too preachy. I have no problem with stories that teach a lesson but this sort of underlying end of day’s salvation lesson can be off-putting at times. If I were, however, studying it for its religious overtones, I think it would make a great study.
I am, of course, disappointed that there is no multicultural value to this series. To be sure, one of the main characters is a girl, but she is neither of an ethnic descent nor provides any other diverse qualities. I assume this is because of the period in which it was written.
I give this book 2 paws but feel like I should give it more because it is considered a classic. I just wish it were more ethnically diverse.
Have you read it? What are your thoughts about it or the series or CS Lewis?