I read the books for the first time as an adult already. Our Master (or should it be Mistress?) of novices in the convent was a huge Narnia fan and recced the books to us - I must say, I wasn't impressed. At all. There is too much preaching, and when you've started your foray into English language and literature with Tolkien, well, Lewis is a poor substitute, IMO. What I respect in Tolkien greatly, is that although a devout Catholic, he managed to leave religion out of Arda. Mostly, anyway.
I've re-read Narnia a few years ago, and I bought all the films; I must ruefully admit that I prefer the films. No preaching, lots of adventure. My personal favourite is The Dawn Treader, but I like the world-building parts of The Horse and His Boy, too. It was an interesting - because very different - culture, and I laughed myself silly over the constant quoting of the poets.
I must re-read them again, it seems. Personally, I liked Susan most of the Pevensie children; IMO, the younger boy, Edmund or Edward or whatever was his name, was a first grade jerk. I couldn't stand him. And, I'm sorry to say, but Reepicheep annoyed the hell out of me, too.
Wait a minute? Aslan is supposed to be evil? I always thought he was a saviour-like figure, so much that it made my teeth ache. What have I read falsely?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
branchandroot
(no subject)
Date: 2014-10-01 07:54 pm (UTC)What I respect in Tolkien greatly, is that although a devout Catholic, he managed to leave religion out of Arda. Mostly, anyway.
I've re-read Narnia a few years ago, and I bought all the films; I must ruefully admit that I prefer the films. No preaching, lots of adventure. My personal favourite is The Dawn Treader, but I like the world-building parts of The Horse and His Boy, too. It was an interesting - because very different - culture, and I laughed myself silly over the constant quoting of the poets.
I must re-read them again, it seems. Personally, I liked Susan most of the Pevensie children; IMO, the younger boy, Edmund or Edward or whatever was his name, was a first grade jerk. I couldn't stand him. And, I'm sorry to say, but Reepicheep annoyed the hell out of me, too.
Wait a minute? Aslan is supposed to be evil? I always thought he was a saviour-like figure, so much that it made my teeth ache. What have I read falsely?