Till We Have Faces

Rating:
Summary: C.S. Lewis's best work of fiction
Review: This is the best work of fiction by an engaging master of English prose. Like all of Lewis's fiction it mixes mythologies and suffers for it, but Lewis here has kept this peculiarity of his style restrained.

Rating:
Summary: Only Lewis could write so simply of the complexity of man!
Review: Upon reading, I was first confused, then elated that someone understood exactly what I was exploring in my own mind. I wanted to know which was the "right" side, and I couldn't decide. I wanted a black and white answer, and life simply doesn't have that many of them. I totally identified with the main character exploring logic vs blind faith in my Christian life. Each time I think of it I am more and more focused on living by the grace of God rather than the logical laws of His. I urge all to read it as if they were one of the characters, depending on the character I choose there is always a new lesson.

Rating:
Summary: A captivating, up-all-night enchantment of a novel
Review: Quite possibly one of the best books ever written. The first time I read this book I was incredibly sick and promised myself (at about 7 pm) that I would read just 1 or 2 chapters and get to bed. At 1:00 that morning, I found myself turning the last page, awestruck, wishing I had the energy to read it just one more time before I slept. This book is surreal, empowering and cathartic all at the same time. It brings mythical characters who often feel cold and drab in mere textbook descriptions to life as utterly human, modern characters with a depth of feeling and thought beyond the scope of that captured in most novels.

Rating:
Summary: Very possibly one of the most perfect books ever written.
Review: I have read 'Till We Have Faces' many times and it has something new and important to say to me each time we encounter one another. This retelling of the Eros and Psyche Myth from the point of view of Psyche's sisters is still fresh and powerful even after so many years. Because it is a myth in itself its power to move and change the reader will never die. Like a many faceted crystal Lewis' work sheds light into some very dark places and there discovers beauty.

Rating:
Summary: An "ancient" story's trenchant comments on modern identity.
Review: Upon my first reading of this book as a rather fundamentalist Christian teenager, I was disappointed with its seeming lack of an "overt" Christian message. During my second reading (and following a conversion to Roman Catholicism) approximately 15 years later, I was moved tremendously by protagonist Orual's tendency to clothe herself in defensive strength rather than yielding to faith. The book suddenly seemed very "modern" to me. I smiled as I wondered what Lewis would think if he were able to see (and indeed, hopefully he is) how accurately the book he wrote some 30 years ago reflects the struggle of women in the '90s. There is something deep lurking in this spare and somber prose for female AND male readers. If you have ever longed to plunge into mystery, to learn to balance your ultra-rational side with the faith-filled portion of your soul, then I strongly recommend this book to you. (By Lori Pike, on a friend's E-Mail)

Rating:
Summary: Until we have faces: my favourite book
Review: Since having read CS lewis's "Until we have Faces" I find it difficult to image ever discovering another novel with quite the same power of imagination in its unfolding, with the same ability to move the reader deeply at a level beyond the conscious understanding. Lewis allows the reader to taste unconditionally the unfathomable riches of the grace and mercies of God. George MacDonald's "Phantastes" is the only other novel that I've read that has moved me as deeply. My wife has also read this book and it has been something of substance to discuss, to try and understand it's deeper meaning in our lives, as this unique work of clarity and wisdom inspires one to do. I recall reading somewhere that Joy Davidman, Lewis's wife considered this his best ever work. I can't recommend this book enough as a rejuvenating experience for the spiritually disillusioned.

Rating:
Summary: C.S. Lewis does it again
Review: How does C.S. Lewis, with all his charm and insight keep hitting me between the eyes with something written just for me?? As thought provoking as only C.S. can be ... excellent!! Another one to have when on a desert island...

Rating:
Summary: The best of CS Lewis' work whether fiction or non-fiction.
Review: In his re-telling of the Greek Myth of Cupid and Psyche, CS Lewis communicates more of his understand of man's relationship to God than in any other work. Some of my Christian friends have asked me how a "Christian Writer" could write about "gods" other than the true God. My reply is Mr. Lewis' own (paraphrased), that all stories of gods are about man's faulty knowledge of the God. This is not a book of theology, it is a story of the persistence with which a loving God pursues each of us, without shame or hesitation, and most certainly without end. Mr. Lewis has combined his considerable talent as a story teller, and his personal knowledge of God, gained through reason and through experience, to convey to us a tale of both the misery and the mystery, the fear and the joy, the anger and the forgiveness, all both given and received, of really knowing God. The book contains it's own best summary in the statement "How can we see Him face to face, till we have faces?"

Rating:
Summary: If you like Greek mythology then...
Review: For anyone who enjoys reading tales of the classic greek gods, goddeses and heroes of ancient Greece and Rome then this book is a must. An excellent adaptation of the classic story of Cupid and Psyche, C.S. Lewis retells the story beautifully. His rendition of the story is extraordinary and the book tells the story in such a vivid and fascinating way. For anyone at all who enjoys Greek Mythology this book is a must. Not only is it a great read but it is a book worthy of being called a classic. :)

Rating:
Summary: A magnificent new twist on an old myth
Review: Lewis had been thinking about the story of Cupid and Psyche for decades, going so far as to try writing a new version of Lucius Apuleius Platonicus' METAMORPHOSES (circa 125 A.D.) in poetry. He abandoned the poetry in favor of a prose story, and I think TILL WE HAVE FACES the best of his novels. It is one of those works that fits the cliche "I couldn't put the book down." Highly recommended.