I was fascinated to read this book, the chronicles of Narnia are clearly a reflection in so many ways of the bible - and given Lewis's background this is an indisputable fact. How far this goes is debatable of course.

The stories are excellent reading and children and adults can read them on different levels, as a simple children's story, or in its deeper meaning as a parable reflecting the bible. Certainly some aspects are obvious - the presence of Aslan, the 'crucifxion' scene and the unbelievers vs the 'disciples' but there are some aspects which may escape the general reader like myself.

I will say here, that even for agnostics such as myself, this book provides a fascinating insight. The simple fact of not being christian does not mean you cannot support the values which are inherent in it - nor does it mean that you can ignore the 2,000 years of culture. So from both those points of view I found this book fascinating.

I strongly believe that for whatever your reason this book provides a much deeper understanding of the works and of the author. These are great points to discuss and debate as well.

As soon as it was announced that a new, Hollywood version of "The Chronicles of Narnia" would be released, I said to myself, "I should write a book called, 'Christ in the Chronicles.'" Well, Christin Ditchfield beat me to it, and I'm glad that she did. As her main title suggests ("A Family Guide to Narnia"), Ditchfield focuses her insights on a level that will "make sense" to Narnia fans of all ages--especially children and young teens.

Whereas some reviewers, therefore, interpret her interpretations as shallow, I find them appropriate given her focus--a family-friendly reading of "The Chronicles." Other reviewers find her interpretations a tad parochial. Again, the subtitle and the publisher of choice, easily explain that "feel." Ditchfield is writing an Evangelical analysis of "Biblical Truth in C. S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia." Yes, the truths could have been deeper, and yes, some of the interpretations may stretch Lewis' original intent, but none are outside the bounds of Lewis' own belief system.

Others may debate how much Christian imagery Lewis intended. He and his fellow "Inklings" writer, J. R. R. Tolkien, both wrote from a Christian world-view--Tolkien's being Catholic and Lewis' being Protestant. Tolkien, in several places, emphasized that he was not trying to make theological comments in every character and every event. Rather, he was writing a broad morality tale about good and evil and the ongoing battle between them. And an entertaining, captivating one, at that.

Lewis also, being a true linguist, tended to downplay plot-view flowed through every word he wrote.

Christin Ditchfield has beautifully, if simply (but not at all simplistically), drawn out the spiritual messages as she sees them through her Evangelical grid. She's done so in such a way that families can discuss them together, forming their own opinions and drawing their own conclusions, while enjoying the story and the message and meaning behind it.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction", "Soul Physicians," and "Spiritual Friends."