Book Review | Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis

17 January 2018

| goodreads |
 ★★★★★
I had never heard of the myth of Cupid and Psyche before I picked up Till We Have Faces. I've always wanted to dig deeper into mythology, but I've only ever been familiar with the most popular stories. I was uncertain if I would really be able to understand this book, or be able to appreciate it as much with my meager knowledge of mythology, but I decided to go ahead and give it a try.

I have a special appreciation for retellings. Taking a two-dimensional, tired, overused story like a fairytale or a myth, and turning into something new and powerful is no easy feat. I've read countless retellings, and I'm constantly amazed at how creative authors can be while still keeping with the integrity and significance of the original story that makes it what it is.

C.S. Lewis does a phenomenal job at retelling this relatively unknown myth. He adds so many layers of depth that I almost felt as if I were drowning at times while I was reading it (in the best way possible, of course). Like The Chronicles of Narnia, this book is incredible and enjoyable for anyone to read just for the story itself. But in his traditional way, C.S. Lewis is extremely allegorical with his fiction, and this book is no exception. I could probably dissect this book for years and years and still not figure out all of the theological significance and truth he wove into this simple little book. I could've underlined the whole book and plastered it all over the walls in my bedroom with how many beautiful passages and quotes I loved!

At it's core, this is a story about faith and how someone can put their trust and believe in something even when they can't really see or fully understand it. I thought it was interesting how the book was narrated by Psyche's sister, Orual. She was a very tragic character, and it's fascinating to see the contrast between her faith and the faith of Psyche as they both develop. Orual had an ominous narrative voice which gave the book a dark feel, but I thought it was fitting and I grew to really care for her.

I think it would be best to go into this book mostly blind like I did. The best way to experience it is to just be immersed in C.S. Lewis' comforting writing style. Allow yourself to sit back, digest it slowly, and reflect on the messages and themes.  This is probably one of the best retellings I've ever read, and even if you aren't familiar with the original story of Cupid and Psyche, I would highly recommend it.
“I saw well why the gods do not speak to us openly, nor let us answer. Till that word can be dug out of us, why should they hear the babble that we think we mean? How can they meet us face to face till we have faces?” ― C.S. LewisTill We Have Faces

6 comments

  1. I read this book once, years and years ago. I think I was too young to understand it properly...I was maybe 12 or 13 and I remember liking it but not really getting it. Still have my copy though, so hopefully I'll reread it soon! :) Great review.

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    1. Yeah I don't think I could've understood it or appreciated it as much when I was younger. You should totally reread it sometime soon!

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  2. I've never heard of this one. I guess I'm really unaware of how many books C.S. Lewis has published.

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    1. He has written an insane amount of books! C.S. Lewis is such an inspiration, honestly!

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  3. This is one of my favorite books! And yes, I agree with you: I don't fully understand it or get it. And that is part of why I love it.

    Have you read Lewis's space trilogy? They're called "Out of the Silent Planet," "Perelandra," and "That Hideous Strength." I've read the first two and will read the third one soon. I think if you liked "Till We Have Faces," you will enjoy these books as well, especially "Perelandra." They're not exactly similar, per se, but they are so thoroughly Lewis, and "Perelandra" just overflows with meaning and significance. Anyway, they're excellent, and I love them. They're books that I think I can honestly say if you don't read them at least once in your life, you're missing out.

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    1. I haven't read his space trilogy, but it's on my TBR list for sure! I just drown in his deep metaphors and symbolism. Ugh I love it!!

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