Once Upon a Wardrobe
Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan, published by Harper Muse in 2021, is a historical novel that explores the deep bond between siblings and the transformative power of stories. Set in 1950, the narrative follows seventeen-year-old Margaret Devonshire, a mathematics and physics student at Oxford University, as she navigates her brother George’s fascination with Narnia. When George, confined at home due to illness, asks Megs about the origins of Narnia, she is compelled to seek answers from the renowned author C. S. Lewis, who encourages her to discover the magic of storytelling.
This edition presents an emotional journey that intertwines fact and fiction, revealing how stories shape our identities and experiences. As Megs learns from Lewis and shares these insights with her brother, readers will find themes of family life, coming of age, and the impact of literature on our lives. With 320 pages, this first edition invites readers to reflect on the profound connections between stories and personal growth, making it a thoughtful addition for those interested in historical fiction and the exploration of sibling relationships.
Official synopsis Publisher
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Story She Left Behind and Becoming Mrs. Lewis comes 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.”
Once Upon a Wardrobe is a captivating historical novel that deftly combines fact and fiction. It’s an emotional journey into the books and stories that make us who we are. It’s perfect for book clubs, for anyone who has ever longed to know more about Narnia, and for anyone whose life has ever been impacted by a story.
“It’s a love letter to books and stories . . .” –THE WASHINGTON POST | “. . . a tender, enchanting tribute to the power of story and the myriad ways it can both break and heal our hearts.” –ARIEL LAWHON | “Patti Callahan’s beautiful, life-affirming novel is a reminder that literature lives inside us, and that when we read someone else’s story, we understand so much more about our own. A gorgeous, compelling book.” –JANET SKESLIEN CHARLES | “. . . the kind of real magic that is only possible when we open our hearts and let the lamplight in.” –KRISTIN HARMEL | “. . . discovering the way in which stories–and myths–weave through our existences, subtly transforming us in immeasurable ways. Stunning.” –MARIE BENEDICT
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