As part of our 2025 Book Club and Readalong series, we’re kicking off the year with The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis, a timeless classic and the first chronlogical book in The Chronicles of Narnia.
This readalong will take place from 3rd to 5th January 2025, giving you the perfect weekend to dive back into Narnia, explore its origins, and engage in exciting discussions with fellow readers. Whether you’re new to this enchanting world or revisiting it after years, this weekend will be filled with magic, nostalgia, and insightful conversations. Below you’ll find our discussion guide and detailed schedule for our weekend readalong.
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Book Club Discussion Guide
Book Overview
The Magician’s Nephew, originally published in 1955, is the sixth book in The Chronicles of Narnia in terms of publication order, but it serves as the first in chronological order. The story introduces us to Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer, two children who are unexpectedly thrust into a series of magical adventures after discovering magical rings created by Digory’s uncle, Andrew. Their journey leads them to the creation of Narnia itself and introduces the powerful lion Aslan.
This book explores the themes of creation, good vs. evil, the consequences of human actions, and the eternal power of forgiveness. It provides a deep look into how Narnia was born and establishes key elements that resonate throughout the rest of the series. As we go through the readalong, we’ll dive into the symbolism, the characters’ development, and the greater moral lessons presented by C.S. Lewis.
Discussion Questions
Here are some thought-provoking questions to guide our discussion throughout the readalong:
- Uncle Andrew’s experimentation with magic rings is driven by curiosity and ambition. What does The Magician’s Nephew suggest about the limits and dangers of human curiosity?
- How does Digory’s quest to save his mother shape his decisions throughout the novel? What do you think of his moral growth by the end?
- What did you find most magical or interesting about the creation of Narnia?
- How does Lewis’ description of the world’s birth compare to other creation myths you’ve read?
- The character of Jadis (later known as the White Witch) is introduced in this book. What does her presence say about the origins of evil in Narnia, and how does this impact Digory and Polly?
- Aslan’s presence in the story is central, though he arrives later in the narrative. What do you think Aslan symbolises, and how does his influence shape the events of the book?
- Discuss the themes of forgiveness and redemption, particularly as they relate to Digory’s actions and his relationship with Aslan.
- How does The Magician’s Nephew set the stage for the larger Narnia universe?
- What elements of world-building did you find most compelling?
Feel free to share your thoughts on any of these questions during the readalong or leave your answers in the comments section for a group discussion.
Weekend Readalong Schedule:
Want to read The Magician’s Nephew WITH me? From 3rd to 5th January 2025, we’ll be diving into C.S. Lewis’ magical prequel to The Chronicles of Narnia with discussions, challenges, and engaging prompts to enhance your reading experience. Here’s the plan:
Friday Evening: Introduction & Chapters 1-4
- Pages to Read: Chapters 1-4
- Story Prompt: Share a flatlay or book cover image of The Magician’s Nephew, inviting others to join the readalong and share their first impressions.
- Discussion Questions: What are your first thoughts on Digory and Polly’s friendship? How does the introduction of Uncle Andrew set the tone for the story?
- Challenge: Snap a photo of your cosy reading setup and tag #TheMagiciansNephewReadalong.
Saturday: Chapters 5-10
- Pages to Read: Chapters 5-10
- Story Prompt: Recap today’s reading with highlights from the new worlds introduced. Share a favourite moment or discovery from Digory and Polly’s journey.
- Discussion Question: How does C.S. Lewis use imagery to create distinct worlds? What do you think of Jadis’s introduction and her potential role in Narnia?
- Challenge: Post a picture of something that represents the new worlds in The Magician’s Nephew. It could be a magical item, setting, or even an aesthetic mood board. Tag #TheMagiciansNephewReadalong.
Sunday: Chapters 11-End
- Pages to Read: Chapters 11-End
- Story Prompt: Share your final thoughts as we wrap up The Magician’s Nephew. Reflect on the creation of Narnia and Digory’s personal journey.
- Discussion Question: How did Aslan’s role in the creation of Narnia impact you? What are your thoughts on Digory’s choices and character growth?
- Challenge: Summarize your reading experience using just 5 emojis and tag #TheMagiciansNephewReadalong.
Story Cards:
Be sure to tag your responses with #TheMagiciansNephewReadalong and follow @UptownOracleBooks on Instagram and @UptownOracle on TikTok for real-time interactions, polls, and story updates!
Join the Discussion!
We’re so excited to share this magical journey into Narnia with you. Don’t forget to check back in for daily updates and to share your thoughts in the comments or on social media. Whether you’re a longtime fan of The Chronicles of Narnia or a first-time reader, this readalong is the perfect opportunity to rediscover the magic of C.S. Lewis.
Don’t Miss Out on the Fun!
Join us from January 3rd-5th for The Magician’s Nephew Readalong, and follow along with daily prompts, challenges, and in-depth discussions. Follow the hashtags #TheMagiciansNephewReadalong and #NarniaBookClub, and tag @UptownOracleBooks and @HarperCollinsUK in your posts to get involved!
Let’s get reading!
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