Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold

by C. S. Lewis · 1956

In this final, masterful novel, C. S. Lewis retells the ancient myth of Cupid and Psyche through the eyes of Psyche’s older sister, Orual. Born plain‑faced and crowned princess, Orual watches her beautiful half‑sister Istra—renamed Psyche—be hailed as a goddess’s favorite. When a priest declares Psyche must be sacrificed, Orual fights desperately to save her, only to discover that the world sees what she cannot. Through love, envy, betrayal, and grief, Orual’s bitter quest forces her to confront the silence of the gods and the limits of her own perception. Lewis weaves a profound meditation on faith, forgiveness, and the transformative power of seeing oneself and others truly, making Till We Have Faces a timeless exploration of the human heart.