The Magician’s Nephew is chronologically considered to be the first volume in the series The Chronicles of Narnia. C.S. Lewis not only describes the creation of Narnia in this novel but also explains how all journeys between the world of Narnia and the real world began.
Polly and Digory become friends over a summer vacation in London. Due to boredom, they go exploring and are involuntarily sent to another world by Digory’s Uncle Andrew, a self-taught magician. After witnessing Narnia’s creation, Digory and Polly must venture on a quest directed by Aslan, a god-like lion, to protect Narnia from the evil Queen Jadis, a ruthless and power-hungry antagonist unwittingly brought by Digory.
The allegories the author uses in reference to the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament are unmistakable. For example, the Garden of Eden and the events that take place there are transformed into more complex versions by Lewis’ innovative ideas. However, the storyline is original and unhindered by the inclusion of such allegories, which only add greater depth and meaning to the story and its characters. “Talking Beasts” are a distinct reinforcement to the author’s setting, along with mythological creatures and other elements of fantasy. Moreover, instead of narrating the story, the author speaks directly to the reader.
Original review: Part 1: ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ by C.S. Lewis, Examiner.com
