Book summary

One of the most highly respected fantasy novels ever written, THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE can be seen as both an exciting children's adventure story and an allegory about faith. The story begins when the Pevensie siblings (Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy) escape the dangers of World War II-era London by relocating to the country home of family friend Professor Kirke. One day, while playing hide-and-seek, Lucy hides in an old wardrobe and finds herself transported to the world of Narnia, a magical land frozen in eternal winter by the evil White Witch. With the help of her siblings, Lucy sets forth to free Narnia from the White Witch's reign by bringing about the return of Narnia's guardian, Aslan the lion, a quest impeded by a shocking betrayal. Although THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE was the first of the Chronicles of Narnia to be published, many readers prefer to begin the series with THE MAGICIAN'S NEPHEW (the sixth book published), because it describes the history of Narnia and sets the stage for the adventures of the Pevensie siblings. THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE has been adapted for the screen several times, including two live-action British TV productions (1967 and 1988), a British/American animated TV movie, and a big Hollywood film in 2005.