The Chronicles of Narnia, by C. S. Lewis
How would I summarize each book in the Chronicles of Narnia with just one to two sentences? What was most significant about each book to me? Each one of the seven stories has a clear Biblical theme. It was fun to discover this theme in each novel. The books are well-written, enjoyable, and impactful. The Chronicles of Narnia series consists of seven (7) novels. In the Bible, the number seven symbolizes perfection and completion, and I do not think it is a coincidence that Lewis published seven novels. Book #1 begins with Narnia’s creation, which is a direct parallel to the first book of the Bible, Genesis. Book #7 concludes the series with Narnia’s destruction, which a direct parallel to the last book of the Bible, Revelation.
1. The Magician’s Nephew
Narnia’s creation story with parallels to the book of Genesis. The introduction of evil into Narnia and the proclamation of man’s toil.
2. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Jesus’s death and resurrection from the grave. Aslan dies so that the sins of just one boy can be forgiven. The White Witch, who symbolizes the Devil, will be defeated. She is no match for Christ.
3. The Horse and His Boy
God is present and active in each of our lives, no matter how insignificant we may feel. In God’s eyes, we are all kings and queens. Also, great parallels to the book of Daniel about the significance of names and the transformation of King Nebuchadnezzar into a beast as punishment for pride.
4. Prince Caspian
God’s timing is different than our timing, just like time passes at different rates in Narnia versus England. In the end, God’s people will be victorious, and victories should be celebrated. We should sing, dance, and eat to celebrate good things, because proper celebration brings glory to God.
5. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Similar to a Greek epic poem, where the hero travels on a sea-based voyage to an ultimate destination and faces many hardships along the way. God transforms our character by peeling away the old layers to reveal a better creation, just like Aslan stripped the dragon’s skin from Eustace and transformed Eustace’s character.
6. The Silver Chair
God’s instructions for living life are given to us in the Bible. We are to refresh ourselves daily about what God’s word says, else our path will stray.
7. The Last Battle
The fall of Narnia, the beast, and the false prophet. Great parallels to the book of Revelation and the return of Jesus’s kingdom. When we reach heaven, we will proclaim, “I have come home at last!”