The Great Story

The Last Battle, the last volume of The Chronicles of Narnia, is one of the most moving books I have ever read. In order to be properly impacted by it, you should first read the other six volumes so that you truly care about Narnia, Aslan, and the British children before you pick this up. It is clear from the beginning that this will be the last book -- the events are described as being "in the last days of Narnia". For those who have come to know and love Narnia, this is a disturbing prospect indeed.

The trouble begins when a shifty ape finds a lion skin and convinces Puzzle, a slow-witted but kindly donkey, to wear it, thereby impersonating Aslan, the Great Lion who is Ruler of Narnia. Soon Narnia is thrown into an uproar as the Ape tells its citizens that he is Aslan's spokesman and insists they do as he says. The warlike citizens of the country Calormene are brought in to aid the Ape in his attempt to take over.

By the time King Tirian discovers the atrocities which have been occurring in Aslan's name, he is too late to stop it. He turns himself in after killing a Calormene guard and is tied to a tree, where he begs for help in restoring his country. Help arrives in the form of two British children, Jill and Eustace, who have made the journey to Narnia before. They free Tirian and his friend the unicorn, and Jill discovers Puzzle huddling in the barn and insists upon taking him along.

Together, they plan a counter-attack, but confusion and fear run rampant in Narnia and the good creatures of the forest are afraid to lash out against someone who claims to speak for Aslan. A fierce battle ensues, and Tirian and his allies cringe at the thought of the evil being they know is inside the stable. They are hopelessly outnumbered, and it is only a matter of time before each of them goes to face the fearsome beast.

But each is shocked to discover that inside the stable, instead of a fiery foe sure to tear them to shreds, is a beautiful land as calm and peaceful as the most idyllic summer moment in Narnia. More amazing still, Tirian finds himself surrounded by Narnia's High Kings and one of the High Queens -- legendary figures who had ruled during Narnia's Golden Age. Along with them are Digory and Polly, who witnessed the creation of Narnia.

From their new vantage point, the young people watch in awe as the true Aslan destroys Narnia before their very eyes. The stars come down from the sky, the earth is ripped apart, blackness consumes everything -- but those who love Aslan join King Tirian and his friends in the wonderful new land. And as they mourn together the death of the wonderful country they had all loved so much, they realize that it has not truly been destroyed after all. Indeed, the Narnia they loved was really only a shadow; their true home lies before them.

The imagery in this book is absolutely fantastic. Aslan's Country offers a clear and convincing vision of Heaven, and the ending will leave most readers with a deep sense of peace. The ties between this book and "Revelation" are unmistakable, and I would heartily recommend it to anyone doing an in-depth study of that final book of "The Bible". Especially interesting is who Aslan allows into His Country...it may give you a new way of looking at things.

All Biblical references aside, this is a grand finale to a truly wonderful work of literature. Lewis' writing style is accessible to children without being too simplistic for adults, and this is one of the only books you can read which has a truly happy ending.