Faced with Beauty

It is always profitable to gain a different perspective. The world becomes more deeply colored and textured as we allow light to shine through different faces on the prism of our perceptions.

C.S. Lewis is masterful at challenging the perceptions of his readers and offering them new insights into even the oldest of tales. Best known for his children's fantasy Narnia series, Lewis injected spiritual philosophy into all of his writings--whether they were fantasy, science fiction, classic mythology, love stories, or non-fiction essays. He also manages to intellectually challenge his readers while keeping his writing style clear and accessible.

From childhood, I have been a fan of fairy tales and mythology. One summer I participated in a reading program at the local library. I went through Myths and Legends of Ireland, Myths and Legends of the Orient, Myths and Legends of Arabia, and Myths and Legends of Native America before the librarian told me I had to add variety to my choices. I never lost my love for mythology and as a grade schooler wrote several pathetic patisches spun off my favorite tales. Til We Have Faces cured me of my childish bumblings, for here was a retelling done with flair. It remained true to the classic Psyche/Cupid mythos while concurrently creating a whole new story.

Til We Have Faces is narrated by Psyche's sister Orual--the one who is supposed to be petty, jealous, and self-centered. Through most of the book, we agree with her that she has been maligned, that she has always had the best interest of her sister in mind. We see that Orual has a pure and strong love for her sister and is protective of her. Ultimately, Lewis forces us to examine our own self-perceptions and whether we, out of the best intentions, are harming those which we claim to love. He expertly illustrates that love and possession are not synonymous.