Once Upon a Wardrobe

Patti Callahan

Book cover for Once Upon a Wardrobe
Book cover for Once Upon a Wardrobe
Book cover for Once Upon a Wardrobe
Book cover for Once Upon a Wardrobe
Book cover for Once Upon a Wardrobe
Book cover for Once Upon a Wardrobe

Once Upon a Wardrobe

Once Upon a Wardrobe

Patti Callahan

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Description

Now available in trade paper with an eye-catching new cover from the bestselling author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis: College student Megs Devonshire sets out to fulfill her younger brother George's last wish by uncovering the truth behind his favorite story. What transpires is a fascinating look into the bond between siblings and the life-changing magic of stories.

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."

  • Now available in trade paper with a gorgeous, eye-catching new cover!
  • From the New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Book of Flora Lea
  • A captivating, stand-alone historical novel combining fact and fiction
  • An emotional journey into the books and stories that make us who we are that is perfect for book clubs

Critical Reviews

From Patti Callahan, the bestselling author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis, comes another enchanting story that pulls back the curtain on the early life of C. S. Lewis.--The Nerd Daily

More than just a clever way to tell the story of Lewis' life, the book explores the power of story and the importance of imagination.--The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

'Full of magic, nostalgia and a sister's love, Coben calls this novel 'a love letter to those of us obsessed with C.S. Lewis's Narnia series.''--TODAY

'Patti Callahan's powerful and captivating new novel ponders how the events in C.S. Lewis' life, particularly his childhood, inspired him to create the magical and mythical world of Narnia and the cast of characters inhabiting it . . . Readers will reach for it again and again, eager to be reminded that love will prevail and imagination leads people down fantastical paths. Some books are read and forgotten soon after; others linger forever in one's mind, popping up from time to time when something relevant sparks the memory. ONCE UPON A WARDROBE is certainly the latter and will be cherished by anyone who reads it.'--BookReporter.com

'This beautiful and soul-touching book is about death and dying, but it also reminds us that new chapters remain for those of us who are left behind.'--Historical Novel Society

Callahan once again visits the life and works of C. S. Lewis in this enlightening novel of logic and imagination, faith, and reason . . . This enchanting novel of faith and hope is a must-read for fans of C. S. Lewis. Readers will be eager to return to the world of 'The Chronicles of Narnia' with new insights.--Library Journal, starred review

This is a heartwarming tale about the transformative power of books, with engaging and detailed descriptions. George's earnestness and imaginative nature uplift his family and will charm any reader who enjoys looking at the stories behind our favorite childhood stories.--Booklist

Heartfelt characters will win over sentimental readers. Callahan's fans will love this.--Publishers Weekly

''Once Upon a Wardrobe' is a beautiful follow-up to 'Becoming Mrs. Lewis.' It's a love letter to books and stories with a meaningful message. Megs and her family learn that fantastical tales are more than mere ways to appease young children. Stories are nourishment for the souls that need joy the most, and sometimes they're the only thing that can help us understand life.'--The Washington Post

Publishing Information

Publisher: Harper Muse
Pub date: 2021-10-19
Length: 320 pages

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