Scan barcode
lacyh1011's review against another edition
5.0
This is my favorite of Lewis' books. It's an amazing retelling of the Cupid and Psyche myth from the first-person perspective of Psyche's older sister, Oruel. Really opens your eyes on so many levels. Favorite line: "How can we see the gods face to face before we have faces?"
clcalamas's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this, second to the "The Great Divorce" for me (my favorite). I was not very familiar with the Greek mythology story of Psyche and Cupid which I am glad of as I think I would have compared the two. Again, loved it!
uncommongrace25's review against another edition
3.0
A retelling of the Cupid and Psyche myth through the voice of Psyche’s sister. It was Lewis’ final book and I know it has layers upon layers of meaning. However, it mostly made me feel not smart enough to get it. The story itself is clear, but I know I missed a lot.
lighthousebooks's review against another edition
3.0
Nevermind Greek mythology though it is the basis, nor, tempting as it is being Lewis, search for some theological argument for Christianity. Think about the theme of beauty. That is what I kept returning to as I read. Psyche, especially, and Redival are physically beautiful, while Orual is ugly. Character-wise, Psyche is beautiful and Redival and Orual are ugly. I kept thinking the character of Orual would become beautiful despite her ugly appearance, but instead there is an unexpected finale. The ending makes sense given the meaning of the Greek myth, but it is an unsatisfying conclusion to the theme of beauty. I found that disappointing. I think Lewis missed an opportunity with this theme, but that’s just because he didn’t do with it what I wanted him to do.
anahink's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ribetzi's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
ellzell's review against another edition
4.0
working on yourself is best done by taking your complaints to the gods
chewedgum's review against another edition
4.0
I love the story here, but I need to read it a second time.
ravenousraven2000's review against another edition
5.0
I would personally say that this is one of C.S. Lewis’s greatest works. I don’t want to say too much as it is good to go in a bit blind, but I should say, it is not for the faint for heart.
Truth be told, I couldn’t finish it properly, in the way I normally do. It tackles heavy topics, ones that I struggle with on a personal level. But I think if the book is able to reach those struggles and was actually aiming to tackle them, is that not a sign of a good book?
Don’t go into this thinking you’ll have a lighthearted retelling of Psyche and Cupid, you’ll get sucker punched like I did. But despite that I did really enjoy reading this.
Truth be told, I couldn’t finish it properly, in the way I normally do. It tackles heavy topics, ones that I struggle with on a personal level. But I think if the book is able to reach those struggles and was actually aiming to tackle them, is that not a sign of a good book?
Don’t go into this thinking you’ll have a lighthearted retelling of Psyche and Cupid, you’ll get sucker punched like I did. But despite that I did really enjoy reading this.
radummer's review against another edition
4.0
I have a feeling this will be a book I reread. I feel this is better than some self-reflection books I have read because it’s so easy to be either Psyche or Orual.