Description
Till We Have Faces
Book Summary
This work is the final novel by Clive Staples Lewis, a reinterpretation of the classic myth of Psyche and Cupid. Far from being a simple mythological recreation, the author constructs a profound allegory about identity, love, and the search for the true essence of the human being. Through the voice of Psyche's older sister, the reader enters a journey of self-discovery, where inner ugliness and resentment confront the mystery of the divine. A philosophical and moving narrative that invites reflection on the face we show the world and the one we truly possess.
What is it about?
The novel is set in the fictional kingdom of Glome, a harsh and primitive land. The narrator, Orual, is the king's eldest daughter, a woman of sharp intelligence but unattractive appearance, who grows up in the shadow of her beautiful and kind younger sister, Psyche. When Psyche is offered as a sacrifice to a mountain deity, Orual is torn between fraternal love and the despair of losing her.
The plot develops around Orual's journey to recover her sister, a path that leads her to question the nature of the gods, the meaning of possessive love, and the need to face one's own shadow. The story is an allegory about the struggle between reason and faith, the desire for control, and the acceptance of mystery. The "face" in the title symbolizes the authentic identity that each person must discover beyond social masks and the wounds of the past.
Main themes
- The search for identity and self-knowledge.
- Possessive love versus selfless love.
- The relationship between the human and the divine.
- Inner ugliness and resentment as barriers to happiness.
- The reinterpretation of the classic myth as a philosophical allegory.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is recommended for readers interested in allegorical and philosophical narrative, as well as for followers of C. S. Lewis's work who wish to explore his most mature and reflective side. It is also suitable for those who enjoy reinterpretations of classical myths with an existential and spiritual focus, and for those seeking a novel that combines psychological depth with careful and evocative prose.
What this book offers
- A profound reflection on the nature of love and sacrifice.
- An allegory on the process of accepting one's own identity and overcoming past wounds.
- A philosophical view on the relationship between the human being and the transcendent.
- High-quality literary prose with an intimate and confessional tone.
Technical specifications
- Author: Lewis, Clive Staples
- Publisher: Ediciones Rialp, S.A.
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: CLASSIC FICTION, PHILOSOPHY
- Collection: OUT OF COLLECTION
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: March 2017
- Number of pages: 344
- Weight: 350 g
Editorial review
This novel represents one of C. S. Lewis's literary peaks, where his talent for allegory and mythological narrative reaches its maximum expression. It is a work that transcends the fantasy genre to enter the territory of the philosophical novel, offering a reading rich in nuances and emotions. Its value lies in its ability to both move and make one think, making it an excellent choice for a reader looking for a profound and meaningful literary experience.