The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis

Every generation has its classics. We, I am proud to say, are the Harry Potter generation- the 90s kids. However, some books are so timeless that they transcend these generation barriers and influence readers years after their time. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis possess this magnificent quality, enchanting readers since their original publishing generations ago.

Often overshadowed by the immensely popular The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis’ piece The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is the fifth book in this timeless series and the third in order of publication. Unlike LWW, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader does not focus solely around the Pevensie children, but rather on the magic of the sea and the enchanting world that is Narnia. Following Lucy, Edmund, and their cousin Eustace on a high-seas adventure, the adventure tests their courage, changes their relationship, and brings them face to face with Aslan once again.

Bringing back old friends such as newly-crowned King Caspian and valiant Reepicheep, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader picks up right where Prince Caspian leaves off, three years after the Pevensies’ last visit to Narnia and one year since the children were told Peter and Susan could not return. Lucy, Edmund, Eustace, and Caspian face dragons, sea serpents, and a mutinous crew along the journey to the rim of the world, and the novel is filled with excitement from start to finish. Brimming with magic, it’s written in the trademark C.S. Lewis fashion, leaving the reader to feel as though he is onboard the Dawn Treader with the crew.

With the success of his series, it’s no surprise director Andrew Adamson decided to make The Chronicles of Narnia into a set of movies. Released in the same order in which they were published, two movies have already been filmed and screened- The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, and Prince Caspian.  Much to my pleasure, the third movie, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, is set to hit theaters on December 10th.  Whether you're a fan of the novels or not, the movie promises to be suspenseful and brilliantly filmed, and I would suggest it to anyone who has a love of adventure and a hint of imagination.  With that said, excuse me while I go buy my tickets.

Reviewed by Carolyn, grade 11