Review Tuesday: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis

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The Chronicles of Narnia Chronological Order #5

Goodreads Blurb:

"Lucy and Edmund, with their dreadful cousin Eustace, get magically pulled into a painting of a ship at sea. That ship is the Dawn Treader, and on board is Caspian, King of Narnia. He and his companions, including Reepicheep, the valiant warrior mouse, are searching for seven lost lords of Narnia, and their voyage will take them to the edge of the world. Their adventures include being captured by slave traders, a much-too-close encounter with a dragon, and visits to many enchanted islands, including the place where dreams come true."

Review:

Let me just say that I'm really enjoying rereading this series.  All I remembered was what I saw in the movies because I read this series such a long time ago.  There are, of course, extensive similarities between the books and the movies, however the books are more heartfelt, and generally more geared toward the lesson side of things.  For example, at the end of this movie, it was such an emotional scene when Lucy and Edmund left Narnia (and rightfully so!) but in the book, it was more peaceful and gave you the feeling that it's okay.  Everything that has a beginning has an ending and that's just the course of things.

I really liked that feeling as well as the overall happy vibe.  The tone is that of a wonderful tale told at sea.  Though there were hardships, and they were put forth, it never dampened the spirit of the book.

Seeing Caspian and Reep again is certainly a treat although I have a feeling this is their last appearance.  However, I couldn't exactly picture Caspian this time around.  He's obviously grown but I just couldn't get a picture into my head of what C.S. Lewis had him look like.

Eustace is an interesting addition.  Although I loved seeing him make his way through Narnia, I did enjoy Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter's story better.  We see more of Eustace in the next book but I have a feeling I'm not going to enjoy it as much without the old gang.

The last thing I wanted to mention was the imagery of 'the end of the world'.  In Narnia, they live on an actual flat world and when you get into the Far East, you reach the 'end of the world' and supposedly, Aslan's country.  It was really cool to see that in this book and the concept of the flowers, the clear water, and the sweetness of the air put a wonderful picture in my head.

The Final Verdict:

A wonderful addition to the Narnia series although I don't think I'll enjoy Eustace's adventures as much as the old gang's.  I loved the tone but I couldn't really picture Caspian this time around.  The concept of the 'end of the world' is really cool to think about.

4 stars

Quotes:

“For his mind was full of forlorn hopes, death-or-glory charges, and last stands.”

“Am I to understand,' said Reepicheep to Lucy after a long stare at Eustace, 'That this singularly discourteous person is under your Majesty's protection? Because, if not--” 

“But I will not tell you how long or short the way will be; only that it lies across a river. But do not fear that, for I am the great Bridge Builder.”

“Do you mean to say," asked Caspian, "that you three come from a round world (round like a ball) and you've never told me! It's really too bad for you. Because we have fairy-tales in which there are round worlds and I have always loved them … Have you ever been to the parts where people walk about upside-down?" 
Edmund shook his head. "And it isn't like that," he added. "There's nothing particularly exciting about a round world when you're there.” 

“The very first tear he made was so deep that I thought it had gone right into my heart.” 

“Most of us, I suppose, have a secret country but for most of us it is only an imaginary country. Edmund and Lucy were luckier than other people in that respect.”

“Adventures are never fun while you're having them.” 

“It isn't Narnia, you know," sobbed Lucy. "It's you. We shan't meet you there. And how can we live, never meeting you?"
"But you shall meet me, dear one," said Aslan.
"Are -are you there too, Sir?" said Edmund.
"I am," said Aslan. "But there I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there.” 

“In our world," said Eustace, "a star is a huge ball of flaming gas."
Even in your world, my son, that is not what a star is, but only what it is made of.” 

“Courage, dear heart.”