I have fond memories of reading them when I was younger, but as I think about introducing them to kids I have some thoughts and issues:
- The clear colonial bias - Narnia needing white British rulers to thrive.
- Colorism/Xenophobia/Racism in the Horse and His Boy and The Last Battle.
Do the benefits of a neat magical fantasy world outweigh the issues? How would you approach it?
I wouldn't go out of my way to keep it from my kids, but I think there are plenty of other authors who are alive today who could tell relatable stories.
I think fantasy has a lot of fondness for the past which attracts reactionary elements to the genre. In general, I'd want to read what my kids would want to read while they are young enough that they can't get books by themselves. I'd ask try to be able to talk to them about what they read and the themes in a way that's approachable.
I'd just want to have a space where they feel comfortable talking about what they read. Do they feel confused by the gender roles? Are they struggling with character deaths? Are they trying to reconcile a value like 'killing is wrong' after their hero kills someone?
I haven't read any of Narnia, but I think I'd be able to have a healthy discussion around it. I'd also want my kids to fit in socially if they want to see what the fuss is about.
I don't know how I'd approach books intended for older readers though.
Thanks! I think you've got a good point about fantasy in general. I'll hold off on buying the box set proactively, but maybe do a reread and think about how I'd approach it with them.