Till We Have Faces

A Myth Retold

C. S. Lewis

In a world where myths loom large and truth wields power, Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold by C. S. Lewis plunges readers into a haunting exploration of love, identity, and the complexities of divinity and humanity. This isn't just a retelling of the myth of Cupid and Psyche; it's a visceral journey that compels you to confront the bare, raw emotions nestled deep within the human soul. Here, every word pulses with life, drawing you into a realm where questions of faith, sacrifice, and identity swirl like a tempest.

Lewis, a literary titan known for his intricate narratives and philosophical depths, brilliantly reimagines this ancient myth through the eyes of Orual, the scarred and embittered queen of Glome. Her voice resonates with a fierce vulnerability, as she grapples with feelings of inadequacy, betrayal, and desperate love. It's in her transformation from a seemingly villainous figure into a tragic, relatable character that Lewis masterfully weaves a tapestry of human experience-one that will echo in your own heart long after you turn the final page.

You'll find yourself captivated by Orual's unflinching honesty. In a society that often demands conformity, she rebels against the gods, asserting that her pain and suffering deserve to be acknowledged. "I am ugly," she states, but her ugliness is not merely physical; it represents a profound internal struggle that she fights valiantly. It's a cry that reverberates through the ages, striking chords with anyone who has ever felt alienated or unworthy. This is not about the battle of woman against god, but a poignant introspection of what it means to love, to fear, and ultimately, to forgive.

Readers have resonated deeply with Lewis's raw portrayal of Orual, sparking polarized discussions. Some praise the profound psychological insight and character depth, while others argue that the narrative slogs at points, losing the mythical quality that makes the original Cupid and Psyche tale so enchanting. Yet it's precisely this clash of interpretations that makes this work so vital; it forces us to reconsider our own preconceptions of love and fidelity, god and human.

Set against the backdrop of ancient Greece and influenced by profound Christian theology, Lewis doesn't shy away from challenging our understanding of deities. Instead of presenting them as benevolent, comfortable beings, he reveals their capricious nature-echoing a reality devoid of simplistic answers. By examining these celestial entities through Orual's anguished lens, Lewis complicates the romance of divinity and humanity, showing that the universe is often indifferent to our struggles.

In this retelling, you won't merely encounter a tale of love; you'll traverse emotional landscapes that evoke aching compassion and fiery rage. You'll feel the bitter chill of abandonment and the scorching heat of desire. Orual's journey-disowned by love, yet driven by it-forces you to confront what it means to be truly seen and understood.

As the narrative unfolds, the explosive climax awaiting you challenges the very essence of your beliefs. Are we ever wholly understood by others-or by the divine? It's not just a question Orual grapples with; it's one that reverberates through your own existence and that of every reader who dares to embark on this path.

Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold is not merely an invitation to read; it demands your attention, demanding a reckoning within your spirit. This reimagining of an ancient tale emerges as one of Lewis's most ambitious works-an exquisite tapestry of anguish and enlightenment. Miss it, and you risk wandering through your own shadows, unacknowledged and unseen. Step into Orual's world, and you may just find the light hidden in your own frailties, illuminating the path forward. 🌌

📖 Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold

✍ by C. S. Lewis

🧾 368 pages

2017

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