i recalled enjoying this book greatly, right up until the very end part, when i was eleven. The ending really bothered me at the time, so much that i never wanted read any of the rest of the series. (and I was a voracious reader growing up) So i was curious, especially after seeing the recent film, to see if i’d have the same kind of reaction, having a more distanced, and comprehensive perspective now. I’d long realized the christian mythology connections, learned & read of C.S. Lewis’ extensive Christian Apologist writings, & studied comparative religion in college….
What i came a way with was 2 things: A- C.S. Lewis is a wonderfully writer, and absolutely charming how he “brings the reader in…” to the story with his little asides and comments on the action; B- it is both amazing & funny how early we gravitate toward or reject fromover-arching themes we’ll follow all our lives. What i’d remember most prominately from the book was Lucy and Susan crying over the body of the slain Aslan. When i studied NT scripture for the 1st time in my 30’s (not having been raised any faith), what i was most struck by was Gethesemane and the Mary’s weeping at the tomb of Jesus. Moreover, i became more & more fascinated with stories connected to Mary Of Magdala, not as the mis-rerepresented “Luke’s sinner”, but as an empowered Pharasic Judaic Priestess, the “Apostle to the Apostles”, and possible bride of Jesus. And likewise, i rejected the NT end of the canonized Gospels (not to tramp on any one else’s beliefs; this is just what is true for me) I cannot point to anything in my lifetime that has lead me on this path, but despite not knowing there was any connection between the two “stories”, i responded to them in the very same way, across many many years…
