In this article we will review Till We Have Faces by Clive Lewis.
Book Plot
“Till We Have Faces” is a novel by C.S. Lewis and is a retelling of the myth of Cupid and Psyche. The story is told from the perspective of Orual, a woman living in ancient Greece’s polytheistic society. The beginning of the book begins as Orual’s case against the cruelty of the gods. Orual’s father, the king of Glome, takes a wife he hopes will bear him a male heir. When she dies giving birth to a daughter, Istra (Psyche), the king is furious and orders the baby to be killed. However, the Fox, Orual’s Greek tutor, convinces the king to spare the child. Orual raises Psyche as her own daughter, but when Psyche becomes a young woman, she is chosen by the god of the Grey Mountain to be his bride. Orual is jealous of Psyche’s beauty and happiness, and she convinces Psyche to disobey the god’s orders to not look upon him. Psyche disobeys and is banished from the god’s palace. Orual goes on a quest to find Psyche and bring her back to Glome, but she is unsuccessful. The novel explores themes of love, jealousy, and the nature of the divine.
Till We Have Faces Rating : 4,18
Also book has 368 pages
Till We Have Faces Review
To begin with, it is important to note that Lewis intended his stories to be primarily stories. Regardless of one’s opinion on his personal beliefs, it should not impact the interpretation of his tale, as it was crafted to be just that. Lewis did not aim to write a story based on a specific principle, but rather set out to create a narrative in which the author’s principles are intertwined with the work, akin to “brain children”. The story itself, based on the myth of Psyche and Cupid, showcases Lewis’s mastery of imagination, scholarly knowledge, plot development, and deep understanding of human nature. The central character, not the traditional beautiful heroine but Psyche’s older sister Orual, is a strong woman burdened with a disfigured face. The narrative delves into her love for Psyche, her yearning for love, and her resentment towards the gods. The mythical world in which the story unfolds is so intricately realized that it never feels contrived. Unlike other myth-inspired works, “Till We Have Faces” is authentic and believable throughout, with characters that are complex and relatable, devoid of simplistic portrayals. While some critics may argue that the book lacks depth, it is undeniable that it contains philosophical and theological themes, exploring contrasts such as classical versus cultic paganism, beauty versus ugliness, and trust versus jealousy. The emotional intensity and dark tone of the story do not detract from its accessibility; while the language may not be overly simplistic, it is not overly dense or difficult to comprehend, making it a suitable read for readers of various ages and backgrounds.
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