For my 12th entry in my 12 Month Challenge I read Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis
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.
I began reading this book having previously read one other of Lewis’ books. So, I knew a little bit about how he wrote and how he thought. I had the impression this would be a great book when I read the summary and C.S. Lewis sure doesn’t know how to disappoint.
There is a quality of drama in this book that I’ve only seen a few times; where you don’t dare put the book down in fear of hurting the book’s feelings. I was drawn in awe of the text and characters and I also felt they could teach me something. The caliber of this book has to do with where the focal point lies and how the conflict was resolved. I would like to think that this id due to C.S. Lewis and the way he re-crafted this old legend.
Orual is bitter but that doesn’t mean that bitter is all she can be. This story doesn’t end with Orual forever in poverty of spirit and love, to be ridiculed by all mankind. Instead, we see her start to think and process her situation instead of burying it out of her sight. And it is this that leads her to knowing that sometimes our pain is unspeakable, even though speaking would bring our healing. She learns that we say what we think is the problem but, ‘till we have faces’ we cannot understand what we are really feeling.
If I ever I would have wanted a story reworked it would have been this one. And I’m so glad the world was given a revision by the great author C.S. Lewis. Who could ask for more? He is sensitive to both sides, the bitter and the loved, but more importantly he understands both sides. If I had been writing this book I don’t know that I would have arrived at the same conclusion that Lewis did. His understanding of the characters and what they symbolize makes for a very compelling and satisfying read. And it is my opinion, that it is the conclusion that makes this book profound. C.S. Lewis mastered the art of writing there is no doubt in that, but besides writing he has an art for understanding the mind and heart.
The story is so much better than its back-cover summary. And I have to say, I did not completely understand what the book was about before I actually read it. But, you won’t find me asking for or writing a better summary. There are some books that you should read for yourself and I believe this is one of them. You had to know C.S. Lewis wasn’t just writing a fictional piece to write a fictional piece, he’s always making you think about the world you live in. 
Also joining me on this challenge:
Andy
Tiff K
Hooray!!!! I have successfully finished my 12 Month Challenge!
I’ve been so busy that I haven’t had time to finish typing up this review. But I think I’m off my mini-hiatus (found a better way to manage my workload) and I’m ready to get back in the game. I’ve put all the books from my 12 Month Challenge below please read as you please and feel free (absolutely free) to comment.
