Greek mythology has always had a place in my heart. I love to read the stories of the gods and goddesses and their interactions with the humans. I knew the story of Cupid and Psyche well. Or.... at least I thought I did until I read C.S. Lewis' Till We Have Faces.
I am a big fan of Lewis and have read many of his works. This one took me by surprise. In fact, this does not follow the tradition of most of his writing, or does it?
This is not just a story of Cupid and Psyche that many of us know so well. It is barely a story about them. It is more a story of those around the lovers. It is a soul-searching book of Psyche's jealous sister, Orual. Through her eyes and through her heart, we see the struggles of a woman who tries to find her own place in this world while feeling that all is given to her sister on a silver platter and she received a few crumbs. Her actions are so reflective of those that any man, woman, or child might do in a similar situation.
Orual loves her sister with all her heart while hating the blessings that fall upon her at every turn. She longs to taste a little of that blessed life but realizes that it might be easier for Psyche to taste a little of hers. Realizing that Cupid is madly in love with Psyche pushes Orual over the edge. She gives Psyche that taste of her life and watches as her perfect world falls apart.
Surprisingly, Orual finds herself not satisfied as she thought she would feel. Instead she battles with a guilt that leads her down a life-journey of the soul. Only then does she discover the truth.
A wonderful read. It's not a light read for a lazy summer day. This is a read that will have you hooked and looking into your own soul before you finish the first chapter.
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