Cover image of The Narnia Cookbook: Foods from C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia
The Narnia Cookbook: Foods from C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia
Douglas Gresham
Quick Take
Find out what was in the irresistible Turkish Delight that Edmund found so tempting. Discover how Mr. Tumnus prepared the sugar-topped cake that Lucy found so scrumptious. The Narnia Cookbook is a celebration of the many wonderful dishes described in C. S. Lewis's beloved The Chronicles of Narnia. From chestnut stuffing to Lucy's roast apples, this book is brimming with wonderful recipes. Introductions to each recipe and stories linking each dish to the Chronicles themselves are written by Lewis's stepson, Douglas Gresham. This is a fascinating look into Lewis's life and a delicious way to celebrate the World of Narnia time and time again.
Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Narnia Cookbook: Foods from C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia

Introduction

"The Narnia Cookbook: Foods from C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia" is a delightful book that celebrates the culinary delights mentioned in C.S. Lewis's beloved Chronicles of Narnia. Written by Douglas Gresham, the stepson of C.S. Lewis, this cookbook provides a fascinating look into Lewis's life and offers a delicious way to revisit the magical world of Narnia. With mouthwatering recipes, engaging introductions, and stories weaving each dish into the Chronicles, this book has captured the hearts of readers worldwide.

About Douglas Gresham

Douglas Gresham, the author of "The Narnia Cookbook," is the son of writers William Lindsay Gresham and Joy Davidman. After his parents' divorce in 1954, Douglas relocated to England with his mother and elder brother. Joy later married C.S. Lewis, whom adopted Douglas and his brother. Gresham's connection to Lewis allowed him to provide valuable insights into the author's life and culinary preferences, making his contribution to the book all the more meaningful.

Analysis of Views

  1. Celebrating C.S. Lewis's Favorite Dishes: Readers appreciate the book for its authenticity and connection to C.S. Lewis's life. They find it fascinating to learn about the author's preferences and how they influenced the food described in Narnia. The recipes are not only delicious but also provide a deeper understanding of the world Lewis created.

  2. Engaging Storytelling: Douglas Gresham's storytelling ability shines through in this book. He weaves tales and anecdotes related to each recipe, making the reading experience enjoyable and immersive. The narrative adds depth to the recipes and brings the characters of Narnia to life in a new way.

  3. Lovely Illustrations: The book features beautiful illustrations that complement the recipes and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal. The illustrations add to the charm of the book and make it visually appealing for both readers and cooks alike.

  4. Fun Combination Cookbook and Literary Read: "The Narnia Cookbook" offers a unique combination of a cookbook and a literary read. Readers enjoy exploring the recipes while also gaining insights into C.S. Lewis's life and the world of Narnia. The book appeals to both food enthusiasts and fans of the Chronicles of Narnia, making it a versatile read for a wide audience.

  5. Doable Recipes with Narnian Lore: Many readers appreciate the doable nature of the recipes presented in the book. The instructions are clear, and the ingredients are easily accessible, making it possible for readers to attempt the dishes at home. Additionally, the references to the story and quotes from the books add a touch of nostalgia and enrich the overall experience.

Reasons for Recommendation

  1. Connection to C.S. Lewis's Life: The book offers a personal connection to C.S. Lewis through Douglas Gresham's insights and stories, making it a unique reading experience for fans of Lewis's work.

  2. Engaging Storytelling: The narrative weaves recipes with tales from Narnia, creating a captivating reading experience that transports readers into the world of C.S. Lewis's imagination.

  3. Beautiful Illustrations: The illustrations in the book enhance the overall visual appeal and make it a delightful addition to any cookbook collection or Narnia fan's library.

  4. Fun Combination Cookbook and Literary Read: The book combines culinary delights with literary exploration, providing readers with a fun and rewarding reading experience that appeals to both food enthusiasts and fans of C.S. Lewis's works.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

  1. Limited Exploration of Narnian Lore: Some readers feel that the book could have delved deeper into the lore and history of Narnia, providing more detailed information about the food culture in the magical world created by C.S. Lewis.

  2. Standard Meat-and-Potatoes Recipes: A few readers find that some of the recipes in the book are run-of-the-mill and lack innovation or complexity, which may not appeal to everyone's taste buds or cooking preferences. However, these opinions are subjective and may vary from person to person.

Conclusion

"The Narnia Cookbook: Foods from C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia" is a delightful book that combines culinary delights with literary exploration, transporting readers into the magical world of Narnia created by C.S. Lewis. With its authentic connections to Lewis's life, engaging storytelling, beautiful illustrations, and delicious recipes, this book has captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Whether you are a fan of C.S. Lewis's works or simply love exploring new recipes, "The Narnia Cookbook" offers a unique and enjoyable reading experience that will leave you craving more adventures in Narnia through food!