Fans of C.S. Lewis will recognize that Williams (coauthor with Josh McDowell of In Search of Certainty
) is attempting a strange feat—explaining the deeper meaning in the Chronicles of Narnia books. Lewis was known to regard such efforts as usually counterproductive since analysis lacks the true power of storytelling, as Williams himself admits in his preface. He consequently urges people to read the stories on their own before taking up his book. While some of his commentary is unnecessary or obvious (e.g., Aslan's sacrifice as a parallel to Christ's crucifixion), other insights are more subtle (e.g., the wisdom about following God's will contained in The Silver Chair
). For those less familiar with Lewis's other writings and life story, Williams provides some helpful explanatory quotations and background information. Exploring themes like prayer in the Chronicles, he gives both relevant biblical texts and theological discussion. His chapter on "Aslan's romps" contains some interesting observations about the discomfort many Christians feel with the very idea of pleasure. For readers familiar with the Chronicles, the chief joy of this work will be its recollection of some of the most stirring moments from the stories themselves. (Sept.)
