Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold

In this timeless tale of two mortal princesses–one beautiful and one unattractive–C.S. Lewis reworks the classical myth of Cupid and Psyche into an enduring piece of contemporary fiction. This is the story of Orual, Psyche’s embittered and ugly older sister, who possessively and harmfully loves Psyche. Much to Orual’s frustration, Psyche is loved by Cupid, the god of love himself, setting the troubled Orual on a path of moral development. Set against the backdrop of Glome, a barbaric, pre-Christian world, the struggles between sacred and profane love are illuminated as Orual learns that we cannot understand the intent of the gods “till we have faces” and sincerity in our souls and selves. “In Mr. Lewis’s sensitive hands the ancient myth retains its fascination while being endowed with new meanings, new depths, new terrors.”–“Saturday Review” C. S. Lewis (1898-1963) gained international renown for an impressive array of beloved works both popular and scholarly: literary criticism, children’s literature, fantasy literature, and numerous books on theology. Among his most celebrated achievements are “Out of the Silent Planet, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Screwtape Letters, The Four Loves, ” and “Surprised by Joy.”