The Silver Chair (Chronicles of Narnia, #4)

Title: The Silver Chair (Chronicles of Narnia, #4)

Author: C.S. Lewis

Published in: 1953

Date read: 4th January 2005

Score: 4/5

Genre: Fantasy, Childrens' fiction

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"The Silver Chair," published in 1953, is the fourth novel in C.S. Lewis's "The Chronicles of Narnia," following the chronological order of the Pevensie siblings. It features a new set of protagonists venturing into the perilous northern lands of Narnia on a critical quest.

The story begins in England, where Eustace Scrubb, still changed for the better from his adventures in "Voyage of the Dawn Treader," is attending a dismal and progressive boarding school called Experiment House. He is constantly bullied, but finds a kindred spirit in Jill Pole, a girl who is also miserable there.

To escape their tormentors, Eustace suggests calling upon Aslan. A moment of desperation transports them to Aslan's Country at the very edge of Narnia's world. Aslan appears to them and gives them a momentous task: to find the lost Prince Rilian, the only son of the now aged King Caspian X (Eustace's friend from the previous book). Prince Rilian vanished years ago while searching for the serpent that killed his mother.

Aslan gives Jill four signs to guide their quest, warning her that if they forget them, their mission will fail. Immediately, they are blown into Narnia, landing near Cair Paravel, where they meet Puddleglum, a pessimistic but incredibly loyal Marsh-wiggle, who becomes their steadfast companion.

Their journey takes them north, through treacherous lands and over dangerous mountains. They encounter giants, face starvation, and navigate perilous landscapes, constantly testing their courage and their remembrance of Aslan's signs. Despite Puddleglum's gloomy outlook, his common sense and unwavering integrity prove invaluable.

They eventually descend into the Underland, a vast, dark realm beneath Narnia, ruled by the enigmatic and beautiful Queen of the Underland (also known as the Green Lady). Here, they finally discover Prince Rilian, held captive under a powerful enchantment. He is bound to a silver chair for one hour each day, during which he suffers terrible fits of violence and madness, during which he must be restrained. The rest of the time, he is lucid but completely under the Queen's hypnotic spell, believing himself to be an inhabitant of the Underland.

The climax involves a tense and dangerous confrontation with the Queen. She attempts to mesmerize the children and Puddleglum, making them believe that Narnia, the sun, and the overworld are mere dreams. It is Puddleglum's steadfast refusal to abandon the truth, even in the face of overwhelming illusion, that allows them to break the enchantment over Rilian. A fierce battle ensues against the Queen and her dark magic.

With Rilian freed and the Queen defeated, the group makes a perilous escape back to the surface of Narnia. The novel concludes with the Prince's joyful return, a brief and poignant encounter with Aslan, and the children's return to their own world, leaving the memory of their Narnian adventure to strengthen them in their mundane lives. "The Silver Chair" is a journey into darkness and doubt, highlighting the importance of faith and perseverance.

Comments:
I just don't remember anything about this book other than what is in the plot summary.

Books that we've read by C.S. Lewis (7):
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia, #1) (1950), Prince Caspian (Chronicles of Narnia, #2) (1951), The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (Chronicles of Narnia, #3) (1952), The Silver Chair (Chronicles of Narnia, #4) (1953), The Horse and His Boy (Chronicles of Narnia, #3) (1954), The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, #6) (1955), The Last Battle (Chronicles of Narnia, #7) (1956)