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natgeographic's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
much to think about
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Child abuse, Torture, Suicide attempt, and War
peperopoi's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Lovely examination of what it means to love someone through the lens of a controversial Greek myth. Lewis' portrayal of women, their intellect, and their struggles in this novel is great, especially given his record. It seems this is due to the influence of his future wife, Joy Davidman, before he realized that he was in love with her which adds another layer of depth to the many already present within the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Body shaming, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, and Sexism
Moderate: Death, Abandonment, and Classism
Minor: Rape and Sexual violence
Regarding sexual violence and rape: these themes are not explicitly discussed, but the ambiguity of the relationship between the characters that represent Psyche and Cupid implies that there may be an unhealthy, dangerous dynamic present.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!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Misogyny
Moderate: Death, Slavery, and Grief
Minor: Body shaming
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Misogyny, Self harm, Sexism, Slavery, Suicide attempt, and Injury/Injury detail