Goodreads: The Lion and the Land of Narnia
Series: None
Published: 2008
Source: Purchased
Summary: Cording compiles testimonials from authors, professors, children, and more about the effects C. S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia have had on their lives and their faith. Illustrated by Cording.
Review: The Lion and the Land of Narnia functions sort of as a coffee table book--something which readers can flip through, admiring Cording's paintings and occasionally pausing to read a letter from Lewis or a testimony from one of his readers that looks particularly interesting. The testimonials cover largely the same ground, so readers need not feel obligated to go through them all at once. However, the book does contain some gems, notably writings from such people as Michael Ward (author of
Planet Narnia) and Walter Hooper (personal secretary to Lewis). The range of writers emphasizes the impact Lewis's Chronicles have had on generations of readers, from those who grew up with Narnia to those who discovered it only late in life.
Cording does a nice job of compiling the contributions to his book, interspersing deeper reflections with fun letters from Lewis to his readers or cute writings from children. The book covers a lot of ground, with contributors variously discussing Lewis's role in their conversions or faith, their understanding of how Lewis's writing works to convey truth and beauty, or simply their emotional and intellectual reactions to Narnia. Some of the younger contributors prove especially eloquent, explaining how much they love Narnia and why. Anyone who has entered through the wardrobe with Lucy will respond to the musings of these contributors and feel that they have found kindred spirits.
Though only about 60 pages,
The Lion and the Land of Narnia provides a lot to think about in regards to Narnia and the ways in which stories speak to us and transform us. It is a heartwarming look at the way in which one man's imaginary world changed the lives of countless readers.
