The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Key Details
- Genre: fiction
- Sub-Genres: children’s book, fantasy, allegory, coming-of-age
- Publication Date: 1950
- Pages: 172
- Themes: good vs. evil, sacrifice, forgiveness, courage, trust
- Accolades: one of Time’s 100 best English-language novels published since 1923; one of the U.S. National Education Association’ listed it as one of it’s “Teachers’ Top 100 Books for Children;” ranked number five among all-time children’s novels in a survey published by School Library Journal; listed at number 9 on the BBC’s survey The Big Read.
My Rating
I was pleasantly surprised by The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I could never get into it as a child, but I’m more into fantasy now, and I just loved how it offered me meaningful escapism along with meaningful life and winter themes for my seasonal reading.
Gilmore Girls Episodes
Learn where this book on the Gilmore Girls reading list was referenced:
| Season 6, Episode 4 (“Always a Godmother, Never a God”) | Rory says she read it. |
| Season 6, Episode 10 (“He’s Slippin’ ‘Em Bread…Dig”) | Christopher refers to Narnia. |
Best Quote
“‘It is winter in Narnia,’ said Mr. Tumnus, ‘and has been for ever so long…. always winter, but never Christmas.'”
Book Review
Description
During World War II, four siblings (Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy) are sent to live in a countryside house, where Lucy discovers a magical wardrobe that leads to the land of Narnia.
Narnia is ruled by the White Witch, who has placed the land under an eternal winter. After Edmund betrays his siblings and sides with the Witch, the children meet Aslan the lion, the true ruler of Narnia.
To save Edmund and return peace, Aslan faces the question of sacrificing himself.
Why It Matters on Gilmore Girls
The Chronicles of Narnia series, beginning with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, is a cultural icon with over 100 million books sold, so it’s no surprise that Rory read it, presumably as a child bookworm.
It’s so iconic that even Christopher, who isn’t known for a love of reading (or even pop culture), refers to its setting.
These references show that the book has a legacy that extends across generations and personalities.
Who It’s Best For
Readers of most ages, from middle grade to adult, and fans of series like Harry Potter and the fantasy genre in general.
Reading Tips
- I listened to the audio version from the library, and it was very well produced.
- There are several TV, theatre, and film adaptations. Personally, I prefered to Disney’s 2005 film adaptation (see trailer below).
- Many years ago, I visited a movie exhibit, evidence of which still exists through other fans on the internet.
- Eat Turkish Delight, a soft, chewy, jelly-like candy, which may include nuts like pistachios or walnuts, and powdered sugar or coconut flakes to prevent sticking. The White Witch used it to tempt Edmund’s greed.
- Find interesting reading resources at both the C.S. Lewis Institute and C.S. Lewis’s website. I also enjoyed the photos and maps on Into the Wardrobe.
Related Books to Read Next
If you liked The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, read these books next:
