This book is a good window into the world of Narnia, the famous books written by C.S.Lewis. It is also provides sensible answers to those who are critics of these children’s novels, both those who criticize them from a Christian perspective and those like Philip Pullman who do so from a vicious atheistic position. Veith is a Christian writer who is a specialist in literature and has an obvious knowledge and interest in fantasy writings in particular. The first half of this book carries us through the story of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” drawing out meaning and mystery of the many truths that are to be found there; the clarity of the Christian message is wonderfully revealed in what he unfolds. In the second half of the book there are chapters that compare the Narnia writings with those of J.K.Rowling, the author of famous Harry Potter series and then the fantasy written by Philip Pullman who magnifies and attempts to make atheism both attractive and mystic, something he does quite successfully. These chapters come under a section called “fantasy wars” and this title accurately describes what in fact, is taking place. Even in the realm of children’s stories there is a spiritual war-taking place. Tolkien and Lewis wrote from a Christian perspective purposely. Rowling claims to be a Christian and have Christian values at the heart of her books though Veith shows that there are mixed messages present in her writings nonetheless whilst Pullman writes with the direct intention of destroying Christianity in the hearts and minds of his young readers. Veith also comments on the needs of a child and that which appeals to them and exposes the poverty of the so-called ‘realistic’ literature written for children as it rejects the place of fantasy. He is helpful in the way he illuminates the world of fantasy and the place and impact these stories can have as they awaken and activate the powers of the imagination. In opening up this realm of human imagination we also realize the dangers of its misuse and the way that false ideas couched in fantasy can blur and confuse. So, all in all, a very good guidebook for parents as they consider the literature they should direct and help their children to read.
