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 4.06
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: 2025-12-05
  • 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
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 The reviewer appreciates the lack of unnecessary dialogue and the engaging narrative, despite some outdated language and minor sexism.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 While there are some outdated British slang and minor sexism, the reviewer feels that the book only needs a little slack for its time.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.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
mixed 3.25

The book was a bit rushed and disconnected, but some readers enjoyed it. Others found it confusing or disappointing, with a poorly executed romantic subplot and a lack of cohesion. However, some appreciated the beautiful prose and imaginative characters.

The book received mixed reviews from readers. Some found the story rushed and disconnected, with too many changes that didn't seem to connect with the storyline. The romantic subplot was criticized for being shoehorned in and not well-executed. The illustrations, which were a highlight in previous books, were seen as a disappointment in this installment. Some readers felt the story could have been better written and lacked cohesion. However, others appreciated the beautiful prose, the imaginative characters, and the dark, fast-paced adventure. The book was praised for its thought-provoking themes and the depth given to its characters. Overall, opinions were divided, with some readers enjoying the book despite its flaws, while others were left disappointed.

Quick quotes

    Sadly, I was a little disappointed with this book. The story was a bit rushed, too many changes that somehow didn't seem to connect with the storyline, but still, I liked it, and I hope the next book in this serie will be better.

    I have no understanding of what happened in this book, except that the Hag's plan failed, but everyone is still alive.

    There were lots of parts I really liked, but I feel like the story could have been better written and I felt rather disappointed with the later part of the book.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
intriguing 4.00

The film is a remarkable period piece with an authentic atmosphere, thanks to its use of a genuine semi-derelict mansion. Valentine Dyall's performance is eerie and effective, making the low-budget production work. The film's surprise ending and suggestion of horror rather than explicit visuals are notable.

The film is a remarkable period piece, benefiting from its use of a genuine semi-derelict mansion, which gives it an authentic atmosphere. Valentine Dyall's performance is a standout, with his sinister voice and bearing making the low-budget production work. The film's surprise ending and the director's focus on suggesting horror through simple elements like a dripping tap and shadows are notable. However, the film suffers from stiff performances and crude production values, and the backstory to the haunting is glossed over too quickly. Despite these flaws, the film is an intriguing example of its genre and a useful social document.

Quick quotes

    The film has a surprise ending which no one could guess, so don't try.

    Dyall's eerie performance makes the whole project work.

    The film is an intriguing example of its genre for such a low budget production.

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