Once Upon a Wardrobe: Book Review
Is there a book series you read over and over as a kid—the one that felt like pure magic every time? For me, that was The Chronicles of Narnia. I was first introduced to it around age six and was instantly captivated by Aslan, Peter, Prince Caspian, and all the unforgettable characters C.S. Lewis created. I’ve reread the series many times, always discovering something new, and never wanting the adventure to end. So imagine my joy when I found Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan—a book that not only rekindles the magic of Narnia, but also explores the story behind the story. It offers a new perspective on an old favorite and feels like returning to a beloved world with fresh eyes.
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Quick Look
- nostalgic and cozy read
- sibling story
- grief and loss themes
- perfect for holiday reading
Published October 19, 2021
Publisher's Synopsis
1950: Margaret Devonshire (Megs) is a seventeen-year-old student of mathematics and physics at Oxford University. When her beloved eight-year-old brother asks Megs if Narnia is real, logical Megs tells him it's just a book for children, and certainly not true. Homebound due to his illness, and remaining fixated on his favorite books, George presses her to ask the author of the recently released novel The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe a question: "Where did Narnia come from?"
Despite her fear about approaching the famous author, who is a professor at her school, Megs soon finds herself taking tea with C. S. Lewis and his own brother Warnie, begging them for answers.
Rather than directly telling her where Narnia came from, Lewis encourages Megs to form her own conclusion as he shares the little-known stories from his own life that led to his inspiration. As she takes these stories home to George, the little boy travels farther in his imagination than he ever could in real life.
After holding so tightly to logic and reason, her brother's request leads Megs to absorb a more profound truth: "The way stories change us can't be explained. It can only be felt. Like love."
My Review
Wow. Just wow. Of all the magical places I’ve longed to revisit, Narnia has always been the one. The Chronicles of Narnia changed my life as a child. My mother first read them to me when I was young, and I returned to them again as a teenager, and once more as an adult. Each time, the stories resonated in new ways—timeless tales filled with wonder, courage, and imagination. And Patti Callahan’s Once Upon a Wardrobe captures that same magic in a different, yet equally powerful, way.
This origin story is no less enchanting than the world it honors. The love between the characters is tender and palpable. Megs’ grief is quiet yet soul-deep, while George’s innocence and bravery are nothing short of heart-wrenching. Watching their story unfold is like witnessing a flower bloom—each moment revealing something more beautiful, delicate, and meaningful than the last.
Themes of understanding, grief, healing, trust, faith, and growing up are delicately woven through every chapter. It’s a story of love in all its forms—between siblings, between storytellers and listeners, and between readers and the stories that shape them. I absolutely shed tears at the end, and I have no doubt any fellow Narnia lover will feel the same. This is a deeply moving tribute to the power of imagination and the stories that live within us forever.
My Rating
Once Upon a Wardrobe brought back my earliest reading memories, and for that reason alone, I loved it. It’s a book I’ll keep on my shelves forever—one I know I’ll return to again and again. If The Chronicles of Narnia ever held a special place in your heart, don’t miss this moving tribute. It’s a beautiful new journey into the world of lions, fauns, and witches, and a perfect addition to any Narnia lover’s collection. Patti Callahan’s books always leave me feeling nostalgic and full of wonder—and this one is no exception.
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