03 Jun Book Review of The Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S. Lewis…
Review of The Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien
I first picked up The Mythmakers with a sense of nostalgia and curiosity—two authors who have woven myth and magic into the fabric of literature I love. As a lifelong admirer of C.S. Lewis and someone who has recently fallen in love with the expansive world of J.R.R. Tolkien, the concept of exploring their friendship through a graphic novel felt like uncovering a rare treasure. I received an advance digital copy from ABRAMS Kids via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and it did not take long for this charming tale to weave its spell on me.
At its heart, The Mythmakers delves deeply into the remarkable fellowship between Lewis and Tolkien, illuminating how their camaraderie not only shaped their personal journeys but also transformed the literary world. The friendship of these two literary giants is framed beautifully; without one, the other may not have achieved the heights we recognize today. The narrative powerfully illustrates that without Tolkien’s guidance, Lewis might never have embraced his faith, and without Lewis’s encouragement, Tolkien’s mesmerizing world of Middle-earth might have remained hidden from all but his closest friends.
My emotional journey through this graphic novel evolved unexpectedly. Initially, I found some aspects lacking in execution; however, as the story unfolded, I was captivated by the blend of history and myth that made the lives of these two men feel vividly real and relevant. The illustrations by Hendrix, showcasing characters modeled after Lewis and Tolkien—Wizard and Mr. Lion, respectively—were a delightful touch. Their whimsical representations perfectly mirrored the creative spirits that inspired them.
Hendrix’s writing style struck me as both sophisticated and accessible, though I felt it occasionally might veer into territory that newer, younger readers might find challenging. A twelve-year-old might process the nuanced vocabulary with ease, but I could see younger children grappling with the complexity, especially in the early chapters. Despite this, the deeper themes—such as the essence of myth, the evolution of genres, and the theology of creation—resonated well.
The narrative flows smoothly, intertwining historical anecdotes with philosophical musings on storytelling. One quote that particularly touched me was, “We write myths…because our hearts were written by a Mythmaker.” This beautiful line encapsulates the book’s essence, reminding us that stories often originate from deeper truths and experiences.
Despite a few distracting typos—common in advance copies—I found myself utterly enchanted. The exploration of myths and their role in human experience made me contemplate the stories that have shaped my own life. I’ve been recommending this book to fellow fans of Lewis, Tolkien, and anyone with an interest in literary history.
In summary, The Mythmakers is a captivating journey that teaches us about the magic of friendship and the power of storytelling. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or simply curious about the foundations of modern myth, this graphic novel offers something rich and rewarding. After finishing it, I was left with a renewed appreciation for these authors and their extraordinary impact on literature—so much that I immediately preordered a physical copy to revisit again and again. If you’re drawn to Lewis and Tolkien as I am, I encourage you to pick up The Mythmakers this September; it’s a journey worth taking.
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