Publication Info
The Magician's Nephew is a high fantasy children's novel written by world-famous author C.S. Lewis. It was originally published in 1955 by the Bodley Head Publishing Company. It is the 6th published book in Lewis' Narnia series, however, many modern editions of the series will place it as the first book in the series. This change has been the cause for debate in the fandom over recent years. I firmly believe that while this book was written 6th, it should be read as the first book in the series.
Brief Summary
This book quickly introduces the reader to its two child protagonists, Digory and Polly. The children begin playing together and stumble into the room of Digory's uncle. It is here where his uncle tricks Polly into putting on a yellow magic ring that causes her to vanish. After telling Digory that he dabbles in magic, his uncle the magician gives him another yellow ring so that he can follow after Polly as well as two green rings to bring them back to their world.
Throughout the book, the reader follows the adventures of Digory and Polly as they travel from world to world. This book also serves as the creation account for Narnia. It is interesting to see the similarities this book has with the creation of Middle Earth in Tolkiens's fantasy. Nevertheless, this creation story helps to set up the world of Narnia, and the rest of the series in the best way possible.
Review
The Magician's Nephew is an amazing book and is entertaining for all ages. While it is typically categorized as a children's book, I believe that it is much more than that. I only read it for the first time last year (in 2019) and absolutely fell in love with the world and characters that Lewis creates. Anyone that says this series is only for children is, in my opinion, wrong. While some of the themes are easier to grasp than those found in other novels in this genre, they are no less important.
I hinted at this in the opening of this blog, but I believe that this book should be read first within the Narnia series. Even though this book was written and published sixth, I think that reading the creation account and the beginning of Narnia sets up the rest of the story perfectly.
While this is not my favorite book in the series, I think that it sets up the story and the lore of Narnia perfectly.
Over the next 6 weeks, I will be looking at, and reviewing each of the books in the Chronicles of Narnia. At the end of those six weeks, I will rank all of the books in order of what I believe is the best and worst of the series. I love these books and believe that everyone should read them. They are well worth the time and effort, although it does not take much for these books.
Recommendations
I think I have been fairly clear, but I believe that everyone should read this book as well as the rest of the series at least once in their life.
Rating - 5/5
Currently Reading:
Nothing More Dangerous by Allen Eskens
The History of the Hobbit (part 1) by John D. Rateliff
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