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Review Summary: I love this book |
Date: 2008-10-09 |
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Details: Lewis triumphs again with a stunning retelling of the myth of Cupid and Psyche. It is so beautifully written and as always in his writing, challenges your mind and touches your heart. |
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Review Summary: Beyond Excellent |
Date: 2008-07-03 |
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Details: I went into this book not knowing what to expect; I'd never even heard of it before. The first time I read it, it blew my mind. The second time, it struck me in different ways, all just as powerful and intriguing. I can safely say that this is one of my favorite books of all time.
The story follows the "ugly sister" of the Eros/Psyche myth -- the one who seeks to destroy Psyche's happiness in the original fairytale. Here, the myth gains new life as it is stripped of its fairytale trappings and set into a realistic world. In short, it explains why the myth is the way it is, and at the same time it is an engaging tale of the true nature of "love."
Just thinking about what Lewis manages here is amazing enough. I don't think I've ever read a book that so effortlessly entwines 1) an engaging story, 2) a strong allegory, 3) a philosophical treatise, 4) beautiful character development (beautiful characterization all 'round!), and best of all, 5) pure entertainment. Most incredibly, Till We Have Faces effortlessly "instructed" me -- one of those rare books that left me looking at my own character and my relationships with other people. Anyone 13 and up can enjoy it -- the writing style is sharp and concise, communicates much with very few words, delivers some wonderful turns of phrase, and in general is very earthy and strong and rich. In my mind, Lewis is easily a master of the genre.
This is not a "perfect" retelling of the Eros/Psyche myth and takes some liberties by focusing only on the ugly sister, but it only serves to emphasize the meaning behind the myth. In fact, I find the story far more engaging because of its altered focus. Don't be fooled... the Psyche myth is here, and it's absolutely integral; this book is all about the myth and how it reflects Orual's life. It's running inbetween the lines if one would care to look for it. In fact, I much preferred reading about the far more complex and interesting character of Orual (the ugly sister) than her sweet and perfect sister Psyche who, in my opinion, was annoying.
There are only two reasons I can think of that would turn off the potential reader. Firstly, it may be boring if you dislike reading about somebody's daily life. If such exposition is painful for you, you'll probably hate this book. That said, the way Lewis described the daily life of these ancient people brought the entire culture alive for me. The second way you might find it painful is if you dislike having thick philosophy stirred in -- and the allegory/philosophy comes to a head near the end of the book in such a way that will spin an unprepared reader's head. The first time I read this I had to read it about three times and I still didn't get it. The second time it was much clearer, but obviously Lewis was an excellent philosopher, which I am not.
One can enjoy this book on its superficial level and come away feeling oddly relaxed and good at the end, even without completely understanding why. And if you dare to dig deeply, you will get more than you know what to do with. Lewis found it important to really know what one was saying -- to say what one really meant, one should get at the foundation of a word. If you want to get some extra oomph out of your reading, if you want to expand your mind and your understanding about the integral concept of "love," this is the book for you. If you want an entertaining ride, the book is this, too.
I do not understand why it doesn't have any more critical acclaim; perhaps its Christian allegory is part of this, in which case it is a shame. This book manages what most "artsy" books can almost never claim: it is entertaining at the same time that it is thought-provoking. |
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Review Summary: I've Lived In It |
Date: 2008-05-17 |
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Details: Considering that at the time I'm writing this review, it's had over 150 five-star reviews, I hesitate to add another little voice to the huge chorus, but here it is. This is one of the most haunting novels I've read, and I've read it three times. I'll read it many more. Whenever I meet someone I like a lot - I give them a copy of TILL WE HAVE FACES... |
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Review Summary: The Best of Paganism |
Date: 2008-04-27 |
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Details: C.S. Lewis writes very well, and so almost anything written by him would be a pleasant read. What is more, he knows and understands ancient mythology very well. Many people know about ancient mythology, but few understand it as well as Lewis. Unlike his "Narnia" books, which are obviously Christian, this book is more 'human', therefore it could be enjoyed by people of any religious faith, or none at all.
Shawn T. Miller
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Review Summary: C.S. Lewis's Masterpiece |
Date: 2008-02-14 |
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Details: The first time I read Till We Have Faces, upon finishing the last page I immediately returned to the first page and began reading it again, something I have felt compelled to do only one other time in my life. It was Lewis's last work of fiction and, in spite of being written in first person from the viewpoint of ancient queen in a largely mythical past, his most personal. His deepest thoughts on God and faith are entwined throughout the story, though it is certainly not an allegory, even in the less formal modern sense which encompasses the Chronicles of Narnia. Certainly metaphors and symbols abound (readers familiar with Lewis's life will see a certain level of autobiography in the tension between the Old Fox and the priests of Ungit) but they often flow along complicated currents. Lewis once said that life is like a tree that branches out as it reaches towards perfection, not a pool that gathers towards unity. Till We Have Faces represents the highest branches, arrived at in the last chapter of the author's life. |
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out of 188 Reviews
