The Magician's Nephew

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The Chronicles of Narnia is amongst the most celebrated of children’s fantasy series. Can you believe that I’ve never read them!? Well, better late than never right? While they might be for a younger readership –being written very simply- than say the Harry Potter series, there is definitely something about them that transcends generational boundaries and makes them just as enjoyable for a grown reader as they would for a child.

The Magician’s Nephew is the first book in the iconic series, chronicling the birth of Narnia. When young Digory and his neighbour Polly are tricked by Digory’s Uncle Andrew into a new world through his use of magic, they discover an ancient world destroyed many years ago. Unwittingly, Digory awakens an evil sorceress who then follows them back home with plans to conquer their world and enslave them. Thankfully the children rid London of her short-lived tyranny by accidentally bringing her into Narnia: a new world just born by the song of the lion Aslan.

By no means an epic tale a la Tolkien, Pullman, or even Rowling, The Magician’s Nephew is more of an origin story rather than a grant adventure. The hero’s quest is a mere trifle, a steppingstone on the greater path into the world of Narnia, which Lewis so famously created. A bunch of little things happen that prove to have greater weight in upcoming books and the story is not so much about the adventure of Digory and Polly, but rather the world they unwittingly end up witnessing the birth of. Narnia is truly a magical place, a realm populated with Talking Beasts, enchantments, magic, and not-so-subtle biblical references. Even if you haven’t read the books, odds are you know all about Narnia.

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Lewis may write simply for the young audience, but his books still appeal to adults thanks to their rich imagery, telling dialogue, and social commentary. This book is a wonderful example of show-don’t-tell and that’s a large part of what makes it invulnerable to the effects of time. All lovers of fantasy must have The Chronicles of Narnia on the bookshelf.

The Magician’s Nephew is the first book in C. S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia series and was published in 1955 by The Bodley Head.