4.19
'Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold' is a novel by C.S. Lewis, renowned for his contributions to Christian apologetics and children's literature. This book, however, is a retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Cupid and Psyche from the perspective of Psyche's sister, Orual. The narrative is framed as Orual's legal argument against the gods, whom she holds responsible for her tragic life. The novel delves into themes of justice, love, and identity, challenging the traditional portrayal of the myth. Lewis' retelling is a profound exploration of human emotions, particularly the pain of unrequited love and the struggle for self-understanding. Lewis' prose is both poetic and intellectual, making the novel a rich and rewarding read. His interpretation of the myth offers a unique perspective, humanizing the gods and questioning their actions. The novel also provides a critique of societal norms and expectations, particularly those imposed on women in ancient cultures. 'Till We Have Faces' is not a simple retelling of a myth, but a complex and thought-provoking narrative that invites readers to question their own beliefs and values. It is a testament to Lewis' storytelling abilities and his deep understanding of human nature. Whether you are familiar with the original myth or not, 'Till We Have Faces' offers a compelling and thought-provoking reading experience...
Apuleius
The Golden Ass
If you enjoyed C.S. Lewis's retelling of the myth of Cupid and Psyche in 'Till We Have Faces', you may like Apuleius's 'The Golden Ass', which is a first-hand account of the myth from the ancient world. This novel is a unique blend of mythology, adventure, and philosophy, and provides a fascinating look at the role of myth in ancient cultures.
Learn MoreMargaret Atwood
The Penelopiad
In 'Till We Have Faces', C.S. Lewis offers a new perspective on the myth of Cupid and Psyche. Similarly, Margaret Atwood's 'The Penelopiad' retells the story of the Odyssey from the point of view of Penelope, Odysseus's wife. This novel is a clever and thought-provoking exploration of gender, power, and storytelling, and is sure to appeal to fans of Lewis's mythological retellings.
Learn MoreMadeline Miller
The Song of Achilles
Like 'Till We Have Faces', Madeline Miller's 'The Song of Achilles' is a beautifully written and deeply moving retelling of a classic myth. This novel tells the story of Achilles and Patroclus, and explores themes of love, loyalty, and heroism. Fans of Lewis's lyrical prose and psychological insights will find much to admire in Miller's work.
Learn MoreDonna Tartt
The Secret History
If you enjoyed the psychological intensity of 'Till We Have Faces', you may like Donna Tartt's 'The Secret History'. This novel tells the story of a group of classics students at a small college in Vermont, and explores themes of obsession, secrecy, and the darker side of human nature. Like Lewis's novel, 'The Secret History' is a thought-provoking and deeply engaging exploration of the human psyche.
Learn MoreT.H. White
The Once and Future King
Fans of C.S. Lewis's use of myth and legend in 'Till We Have Faces' may enjoy T.H. White's 'The Once and Future King'. This novel tells the story of King Arthur and his knights of the round table, and explores themes of leadership, morality, and the human condition. Like Lewis's novel, 'The Once and Future King' is a timeless and deeply moving work of literature.
Learn MoreMarion Zimmer Bradley
The Mists of Avalon
In 'The Mists of Avalon', Marion Zimmer Bradley offers a feminist reinterpretation of the Arthurian legend. This novel tells the story of Morgaine, Arthur's sister, and explores themes of gender, power, and spirituality. Like 'Till We Have Faces', this novel is a thought-provoking and deeply engaging exploration of myth and legend.
Learn MoreAnita Diamant
The Red Tent
If you enjoyed the exploration of gender and power in 'Till We Have Faces', you may like Anita Diamant's 'The Red Tent'. This novel tells the story of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah, and explores themes of women's lives, spirituality, and community. Like Lewis's novel, 'The Red Tent' is a powerful and moving exploration of the human experience.
Learn MoreHomer
The Odyssey
C.S. Lewis's 'Till We Have Faces' is heavily influenced by the myth of Cupid and Psyche, which is a part of the larger mythological tradition of ancient Greece. If you enjoyed Lewis's use of mythology in his novel, you may like to read the source material itself. Homer's 'The Odyssey' is one of the greatest epic poems of all time, and is a thrilling and moving exploration of heroism, adventure, and the human condition.
Learn MoreHomer
The Iliad
Like 'The Odyssey', Homer's 'The Iliad' is a classic of ancient Greek literature, and is a thrilling and moving exploration of heroism, war, and the human condition. If you enjoyed the mythological themes and psychological insights of 'Till We Have Faces', you may find much to admire in 'The Iliad'. This epic poem is a powerful and timeless work of literature, and is sure to appeal to fans of C.S. Lewis's mythological retellings.
Learn MoreVirgil
The Aeneid
Virgil's 'The Aeneid' is a classic of ancient Roman literature, and is a thrilling and moving exploration of heroism, adventure, and the founding of Rome. Like 'Till We Have Faces', 'The Aeneid' is a work of mythological storytelling that explores themes of identity, destiny, and the human condition. Fans of C.S. Lewis's novel are sure to find much to admire in this epic poem.
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