The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

by CS Lewis, C S Lewis, C.S. Lewis
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Fantasy
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Paperback • £7.99–£10.99 Hardback • £8.99–£14.99 Board book • £8.99
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Format • £8.54–£14.24
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Technical
  • ID: 22
  • Added: 2025-08-10
  • Updated: 2026-01-20
  • ISBN: 9780060764890
  • Publisher: Zondervan
  • Published: 2005-06-01
  • Formats: 194
  • Reviews: 4

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the first book in C. S. Lewis's beloved Chronicles of Narnia series, now presented in a striking new format for adult readers. This companion book to the motion picture brings to life a world where the eternal battle between good and evil unfolds. Four children discover a magical land through a wardrobe, a land enslaved by the White Witch's eternal winter. As hope dwindles, the return of the majestic lion Aslan signals a turning point and a great sacrifice./n/nSince its publication, The Chronicles of Narnia has captivated over eighty-five million readers worldwide. This edition offers a fresh, contemporary look at the classic tale, making it accessible to a new generation of readers. The story is not just an adventure but a profound exploration of courage, faith, and redemption.

Reviews
tigerpetalpress.com · Unknown · 2025-12-22
engaging 4.50

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a classic story that cleverly blends elements of fairy-tale and fantasy to create a wonderfully engaging adventure. Adult readers may spot the Christian symbolism woven through C S Lewis's story, which some critics have found problematic, but children will enjoy the magic of this spellbinding adventure in its own right.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a timeless classic that has captivated young imaginations for generations. The story follows the Pevensie children as they step through a wardrobe door into the magical land of Narnia, where they encounter a world frozen in eternal winter and enslaved by the terrible White Witch. The adventure is filled with elements of fairy-tale and fantasy, creating a wonderfully engaging narrative that children will love. Adult readers may notice the Christian symbolism woven throughout the story, which some critics have found problematic. However, children will enjoy the magic and excitement of this spellbinding adventure without needing to delve into its deeper meanings.

Quick quotes

    This classic story is certain to capture young imaginations, cleverly blending elements of fairy-tale and fantasy to create a wonderfully engaging adventure.

    Adult readers will be quick to spot the Christian symbolism woven through C S Lewis's story, which some critics have found problematic.

    Children will enjoy the magic of this spellbinding adventure in its own right.

irresponsiblereader.com · Unknown · 2025-11-12
brilliant 4.50

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers with its enchanting world and profound themes. The story's blend of adventure, fantasy, and moral lessons makes it a beloved choice for both children and adults.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers with its enchanting world and profound themes. The story's blend of adventure, fantasy, and moral lessons makes it a beloved choice for both children and adults. The characters are well-developed, and the narrative is engaging, making it a book that can be enjoyed by multiple generations. The themes of bravery, sacrifice, and redemption are woven seamlessly into the plot, adding depth to the story. The magical world of Narnia is vividly described, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the adventure. The book's enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and the skill of its author, C.S. Lewis.

Quick quotes

    It's a book that has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among readers of all ages.

    The characters are well-developed, and the narrative is engaging, making it a book that can be enjoyed by multiple generations.

    The themes of bravery, sacrifice, and redemption are woven seamlessly into the plot, adding depth to the story.

nytimes.com · Unknown · 2025-11-06
excellent 4.50

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is praised for its tight writing, good description, and action, making it a standout among children's books. The reviewer appreciates the lack of unnecessary dialogue and the engaging narrative, despite some outdated language and minor sexism.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is highly recommended for its excellent writing and engaging narrative. The reviewer enjoyed reading it aloud to their child and appreciated the tight writing, good description, and action. The book's lack of unnecessary dialogue and trashy empty dialogue makes it a standout among children's books. While there are some outdated British slang and minor sexism, the reviewer feels that the book only needs a little slack for its time. The audiobook version, read by Michael York, is also praised for its pleasant listening experience, making it feel like a child being read to.

Quick quotes

    This book is among the best. Good, tight writing, good description. Good action. Also there's not a lot of dead space or trashy empty dialogue that just seems to be there to take up space.

    It's like C.S. Lewis was speaking to me. I never read these as a child but now that I'm in my mid-twenties, I'm feeling the urge to visit all those childhood classics I never read.

    The amazing characters - from Mr. Tumnus to the White Queen - just tie this story together. Unforgettable.

cslewis.org · Unknown · 2025-10-24
nostalgic 4.50

The reviewer initially felt revisiting 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe' was unnecessary due to its cultural ubiquity, but upon re-reading, they found a deeper appreciation for Edmund's character. They also praised Lewis' imaginative world-building and poetic writing, which resonated with them as a child and still does today.

The reviewer initially felt that revisiting 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe' was superfluous due to its entrenched place in British popular culture. However, upon re-reading, they discovered a newfound appreciation for Edmund's character, seeing him as the most empathetic and human character in the book. They also admired Lewis' imaginative world-building and poetic writing, which deeply resonated with them as a child and continues to do so today. The reviewer acknowledges the book's Christian allegory but finds it unproblematic and more reminiscent of other fantastical tales. They conclude that Lewis' unfettered imagination and simple poetry make the book a timeless classic.

Quick quotes

    The message seemed simple: he was the evil child, concerned only with stuffing his face; a wartime precursor to the ill-fated, gluttonous brats in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

    Even as the book commences, his relationship with his siblings is fractious… but understandably so: he is patronised and marginalised by the piously pompous Peter and Susan, and — we later discover — has had a miserable time at school to boot.

    What I do find intoxicating is Lewis’ unfettered imagination when it comes to constructing — and populating — the land of Narnia.

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