The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

The Chronicles of Narnia, Book 2

By: C. S. Lewis

Narrated by: Michael York

Length: 4 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

The Narnia Chronicles, first published in 1950, have been and remain some of the most enduringly popular children’s books ever published. The best known, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, has been translated into 29 languages!

“It’s a magic wardrobe. There’s a wood inside it, and it’s snowing! Come and see,” begged Lucy.

Lucy has stumbled upon a marvellous land of fauns and centaurs, nymphs and talking animals. But soon she discovers that it is ruled by the cruel White Witch, and can only be freed by Aslan, the great Lion, and four children…

This is the second adventure in the exciting Chronicles of Narnia.

©1950 C. S. Lewis (P)1950 HarperCollins UK

Critic reviews

“Forget Simba. There’s a new lion in the Magic Kingdom… Long before J.K. Rowling dreamed up Harry Potter, Lewis was busy with his seven book series.” E! Online

“Like the ‘Rings’ cycle… the seven Narnia books have a long and loyal following.” The Herald (U.K.)

“Narnia offers huge scope for a profitable film franchise… fantasy is currently the toast of Hollywood.” The Guardian (U.K.)

Amazing Experience

Amazing narration.. I was able to imagine all the things very clearly. Loved the Book

Adventurous!

The narrator was amazing in narrating this fantastic book. It was really a very good book and I enjoyed it a lot.

The Lion

Phenomenal.. CS Lewis never fisappointa. This reading is done with enthusiasm and great care. Loved each chapter.

Nostalgic journey

What made the experience of listening to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe the most enjoyable?

Memories of childhood flooded in because the first contact I had with this book, I was less than 10 years old, was my mother reading it to me.

From that first time, every time I have had contact with the story, the magic has touched me; this time was the first time I have listened again and taking it in through my ears frees up my imagination, especially my visual imagination, to see things the way I want them to be. If my eyes are busy reading words, some of that optical brain space is being used up.

What other book might you compare The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to and why?

The Secret Garden - also magical in essence with a grown up who believes the children. And I think my first contact was having it read aloud to me.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Michael York?

I would, although I do think his voice is only a little bit above dull.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Triumph of the Deeper Magic

Any additional comments?

The magic is deeper and deeper every time I read this book. I would strongly recommend listening to the Chronicles of Narnia in the chronology of the Narnian world, and to listen to them consecutively - that is - without any other books in between.

A beautiful story

Would you consider the audio edition of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: The Chronicles of Narnia, Book 1 to be better than the print version?

I prefer the print version but they both complement each other. The print version just provides illustrations from Pauline Baynes that adds more to the reading experience.

What other book might you compare The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: The Chronicles of Narnia, Book 1 to and why?

This story compares a bit to sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. They are both fictitious, but this story is easier to read and is better written and told.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favourite scene was when Aslan sacrificed himself for Edmund, on the stone table then with the help of the mice rose up again. This was a beautifully told part of the story.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened to this book in one sitting as it is only a short story and I listened on kindle fire which has a speed option which I use to get through my books faster.

Any additional comments?

This was the first book published in The Chronicles of Narnia series and I recommend reading or listening to this first if you are reading the series for the first time. If reading the series again I recommend reading The Magician's nephew first so you read and listen to the story in chronological order.

Great Story.

I really enjoyed both the story and the narration. Great for the kids too! Clean language and not to violent.

Loved it

Ive read this chronicles long ago. Almost forgotten, but the story had left a lasting impression I couldn’t remember story but I knew it was something magical, enchanting and it gave me few hours delightful delicious moments. But listening it Given me feeling of far greater satisfaction. I relived the long forgotten story. The narrator, I must say becoming one of my favourite like Jim Dale or Stephen fry.

Excellent Story

The story is well read, and well told. I just wish the narrator wouldn't adopt the tone of voice that sounds like he's reading it to a naughty five-year-old. Apart from that it is brilliant, with good voices, excellent pace, clear voice, and everything else that does this great story justice.

Add this to your Christmas stocking, or better, buy it for someone young and then listen to the story with them.

Keelia has listened to this and loved it .

A great entertainment while traveling for Keelia and Oskar from school. Good
to discuss the hidden meaning.

Narration and character voices

The character voices are inconsistent. The witch is loud and piercing - so loud, that one needs to turn down the volume every time she shrieks ... and then must turn up again to hear any further narration.
It makes listening impossible