Narnia books are tricky to review because they are so different from each other, and in many ways they all can be unsettling, but some can be refreshing with a healthy dose of adventure and imagination. This is the strength of Narnia, that the world is fully realised. The sequels of Narnia are located in different directions from its original world, thus expanding the world even more. To the East is the sea and the book is a telling of Caspian’s journey to the unchartered “end of the world” along with Lucy, Edmund and their annoying cousin Eustace.
It is in this book that we know Caspian much more in flesh and blood, and grew to be a strong and likeable character. There are small gestures here that befit him the throne of the king — for example, when the Pevensies appear out of nowhere in the ship that he gave his cabin to the ship’s captain and his mate so that they can rest properly and be efficient in their tasks. Caspian’s premise to find his father’s friends who were exiled by his corrupt uncle is noble in itself. However, we also see his flawed character as he put the desire of adventure before the desire of managing his kingdom, and we also see him run from fear. Good characters is a balance of nobility, humility and hints of character flaws.
I would put the Voyage… as one of the better Narnia books because it is the most surreal, dreamlike and if you have to imagine in your mind, the most aesthetically-pleasing. There are great depictions of the ocean here which rival Victor Hugo’s poetry. The creatures and characters which the children and the crew come across are stunningly fantastic. Narnia is not in any risk of war here, there are no high stakes for the premise of adventure except for the adventure itself. And for this reason, I would put the Voyage just behind the Horse and His Boy if I had to re-read a Narnia book.
