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bookedbymadeline's review against another edition
adventurous
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
It could be slow at times and difficult to get into. But as always though I love Lewis’ writing and marked a few passages!
The story is more from the perspective of Psyche’s sister, Orual, which I was a bit disappointed by since it’s said to be a story of Psyche and Cupid. I didn’t know much about the myth before this did a great job of telling both the myth and the story from Orual’s POV.
I’d like to read more retellings of this myth because it’s so interesting and this didn’t quite provide what I was looking for. It was a good novel but I’d love to read the myth from Psyche and/or Cupid’s perspective as well!
Graphic: Child abuse and Misogyny
Moderate: Death, Slavery, and Grief
Minor: Body shaming
readandfindout's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
Style/writing: 5 stars
Themes: 4.5 stars
Characters: 4 stars
Plot: 4 stars
Worldbuilding: 4 stars
Themes: 4.5 stars
Characters: 4 stars
Plot: 4 stars
Worldbuilding: 4 stars
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Racism, Self harm, and Slavery
chrisljm's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I’m not sure if I would’ve liked this book more if I hadn't already known the story of Psyche and Eros, because I can be more forgiving of a sister seeking to destroy Psyche’s happiness out of envy rather than one who ruined it due to ego. One, who weaponized the love Psyche had for her so that she could get what she wanted, because she claimed to know best. It was also frustrating seeing Orual take no responsibility for all the decisions and actions she made, instead placing blame on the gods and a lack of agency. She was incapable of looking beyond herself at all. “There’s one part love in your heart, and five parts anger, and seven parts pride.”
But the funniest part of the book was when Psyche pulled a Tai Fraiser and basically said “why am I even listening to you. you’re a virgin who can’t drive” to her sister.
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Misogyny, Self harm, Sexism, Slavery, Suicide attempt, and Injury/Injury detail
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