Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold

I could not rate this author, book, and narrator more highly. I own a hardback copy of \’Till We Have Faces\’ but I purchased this audio edition too! Adults who enjoyed C.S. Lewis\’ \’Chronicles of Narnia\’ or his \’Space Trilogy\’ will be carried away by this book. The story follows three sisters– one ugly, one beautiful as a goddess, and one somewhere between the two. As their lives and fates unfold the author unveils human nature with a depth of perception that takes my breath away. One word of advice, if you prefer \’lite\’ reading this may not be for you. It is well beyond \’Twilight\’ and things of that nature. Reference my review list if you want to get a sense of what I like.

The best retelling of the myth of Psyche and Eros I\’ve ever heard! And the perspective! My what depth and insight! I saw a bit of myself in Psyche\’s elder sister and even recognized some of my own self-deceptions! An intense and introspective listen to this book could do away with shelves full of \”self-help\” guides and put many a marriage counselor out of business. Put yourself in the shoes of the eldest sister and see if you do not also see yourself in her plight…Be prepared, it could be a bit painful to become so quickly enlightened, shifts in paradigms can hurt a bit.

I wasn\’t sure what to expect, but this was definitely not it. very deep and thoughtful analysis of love. I have many questions but this was well worth the listen. the best of C.S. Lewis I have read. he really knows how a womans lind works

The title is spoken by Orual, the ugly daughter of a mythical kinglet whose realm is supposed to lie somewhere in the vicinity of ancient Greece. And, in a way, they sum up the central theme of the book. But rather than recapitulate the story or try to tell you what this novel is aboutits so freighted with meaning that Ill be living with it all for some time to comeIll suggest you look up a very good article by Lauren Enk Mann at Crisis Magazine. It is short, direct, and a little flat-footed, wrapping up as it does elemental mysteries that deserve more contemplation than elucidation. Nevertheless, after youve heard the book it would be a good place to launch your own contemplation. To make the listening even more fruitful, listen first to Apuleius The Golden Ass. Till We Have Faces has its genesis in Lewis university days when, unsatisfied with the myth of Cupid and Psyche as told by Apuleius, he sought to recast it. Starting with an attempt in verse, the project preoccupied him for some 35 years. At the end of this recording (Till We Have Faces), Lewis offers a short but characteristically lucid exposition of his artistic aims and choices. One of the choices he doesnt discuss is his setting of the story in a pre-Christian, mythic, pantheistic past. Like Tolkiens decision not to draw any parallels between the Lord of the Rings and the recent European warand unlike T. H. Whites decision to draw those parallels in his Once and Future Kingthis liberates us, the listener (and, I suppose, Lewis the author). The polytheistic myth becomes a parable of sorts, a perfect vehicle to show what you and I must overcome within ourselves if were to more fully embrace the monotheistic reality of Abraham and Isaac, Peter and Paul. Nadia May is superb, pitch-perfect in her portrayal of Orual, her fears, resentments, misunderstandings and final comprehension.

As usual when CS Lewis put pen to paper it becomes music to my ears. It\’s more than just reading a great story. It\’s more like he takes you on a great journey that unites your heart and mind.

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