The Readers -- July 19, 2023

The Readers met on July 19 to discuss The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis. The book is a classic in a series of seven books, written about four siblings who are sent to live with a professor during WWII to escape the blitz. While exploring the house, Lucy discovers a wardrobe with a gateway into the mysterious world of Narnia. While there, she meets Tumnus, a faun who explains that Narnia is ruled by the White Witch. She keeps the land in a perpetual state of winter, where "it's always winter, but never Christmas." The other siblings at first do not believe Lucy when she tells them about the mysterious new world, but soon discover the gateway into Narnia, and find themselves embroiled in a battle of good versus evil.

 The group enjoyed the book, as well as the discussion. They all agree the book is a wonderful read for all ages. One member fondly remembers her father, and teacher, in her one room schoolhouse, reading the book to them every year. It was a reading she looked forward to, even though she had heard the book numerous times. The Readers liked the Christian symbolism in the book, especially Aslan, who sacrifices himself for his friends. The animals in the book made it engaging and fun -- the faun, the beaver family, the lion. The heroic battle in the end, where good triumphs over evil, is classic. They felt that the writing was brilliant. All in all, the group enjoyed reading the book, even those who have read it before, giving it 3.83 stars. Most of the group even mentioned that it made them want to read, or re-read, the whole series.