I just finished The Last Battle by C. S. Lewis. I liked this book but because of one thing towards the end of the book, I will give this a 'recommended' instead of 'highly recommended'.
I am listening to Dream Theater and sitting at Starbucks as I recall this book to review. NOTE: I am glad that Starbucks is now offering free Wi-Fi so I can write at a Starbucks using my Apple Macbook, listening to my Ipod. I wish I had an iphone to complete the picture.
In the Last Battle, a false Aslan is abroad. The Narnian obey this false Aslan who speaks via a talking ape, Shift, but are confused because his orders don't seem to be in accord with Aslan of old. King Tirian, along with his good friend, Jewel the Unicorn, discover the deception of the false Aslan and calling upon the children that helped the previous kings and queens in the history of Narnia, try to make right the wrong caused by this false Aslan and the ape.
The writing is good as is all of C. S. Lewis's writings.
The pacing is good also.
Two things caught my attention in reading this book:
(1) Why isn't Susan included in the friends of Narnia? As she got older, she didn't believe in Narnia anymore and was only interested in girly things. What does this mean in terms of the metaphor of the Christian life with respect to salvation? Would she be considered a nominal Christian?
(2) Why was a Calormene, who clearly worship Tash and not Aslan, included in the new Narnia (aka Heavean)? Is sincerity enough to get to new Narnia? Is this Lewis's commentary about sincere people in other religions and their standing before God? Is this something that Lewis believed or did he just want to make a happy ending in a great series of books for children?
Overall, the book was outstandingly written and paced. It was a pleasure to read this book as well as the whole series. Good times. :)
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