colleenbee's review against another edition
4.0
I listened to this one on my iPod, and I have to admit I had to listen to Book 2 a second time because I didn't quite understand what had just happened. This is an interesting story, definitely one that requires some thought and (in my case) research. It's certainly different from anything else of C.S. Lewis's that I have read before. It is a retelling of the mythological story of Cupid and Psyche. It is an excellent exploration of the relationship between God(s) and man. Lewis discusses the selfish nature of human love, the concept of justice, self-deception, and the complexity of flawed human nature. Many of the books I read leave no trace once I'm finished, but I'm still thinking about this one a few days after finishing it.
trikota's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book so much up until the end.
I remember once or twice (or more)a very religious person telling me that what people do and how will they behave will never be enough unless they also believe in God. Without that last part, they can not be wholly good.
And that is the ultimate message from this book. That without faith, all the thinking, feeling, striving, doing is nothing. And I am not ok with it. I am not ok with it at all. In actuality, I am very very mad.
And on that note, who ARE the gods - gods who are petty and jealous and secretive - to judge ANYBODY AT ALL.
I still would recommend this book. It is beautifully written and I loved Orual and how broken and strong and head strong she was. She deserved better.
I remember once or twice (or more)a very religious person telling me that what people do and how will they behave will never be enough unless they also believe in God. Without that last part, they can not be wholly good.
And that is the ultimate message from this book. That without faith, all the thinking, feeling, striving, doing is nothing. And I am not ok with it. I am not ok with it at all. In actuality, I am very very mad.
And on that note, who ARE the gods - gods who are petty and jealous and secretive - to judge ANYBODY AT ALL.
I still would recommend this book. It is beautifully written and I loved Orual and how broken and strong and head strong she was. She deserved better.
estelrianna's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jorobin's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
afoskamp's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
j_m_boyer's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The classic myth of Cupid and Psyche is obscured by Lewis' invented main character who seemingly transcends the confines of the female archetype within mythology to contrast mythology itself. The first part of the novel, originally written as stand alone is the most effective. Lewis' prose is charming and somehow magical even when juxtaposed with dark imagery. The second half however read like a vaugely religious manifesto thinly veiled in allegory. It kept from giving the book a full five stars, despite how much I enjoyed it.
mamierose94's review against another edition
3.0
I’m not a good candidate to rate this book. Mythology isn’t my thing, so much of it was probably lost on me.
I did appreciate the way Lewis wrote the first person internal dialogue. it kept me engaged even if the genre is not my favorite. I definitely enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
I did appreciate the way Lewis wrote the first person internal dialogue. it kept me engaged even if the genre is not my favorite. I definitely enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
marryallthepeople's review against another edition
3.0
Oh golly, I got lost. I mean I guess Clive is a clever writer but I really struggle with the way he writes. I suspect I'm not destined to read many of his books BUT I TRIED AND I FINISHED IT so well done me :)
To be fair, I didn't know the original story so maybe that impacted.
To be fair, I didn't know the original story so maybe that impacted.