C. S. Lewis reworks the timeless myth of Cupid and Psyche into an enduring piece of contemporary fiction in this novel about the struggle between sacred and profane love. Set in the pre-Christian world of Glome on the outskirts of Greek civilization, it is a tale of two princesses: the beautiful Psyche, who is loved by the god of love himself, and Orual, Psyche’s unattractive and embittered older sister who loves Psyche with a destructive possessiveness. Her frustration and jealousy over Psyche’s fate sets Orual on the troubled path of self-discovery. Lewis’ last work of fiction, this is often considered his best by critics.
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"This was a great book. A colleague of mine lent me the book and said this was her favorite book by C.S. Lewis. It's a 'twist' on the story of Pysche and Cupid. The last section was pretty deep - I think I might need to re-read it to fully appreciate/understand it. Definitely a must read. "
— Jacob (5 out of 5 stars)
“Exerts, far beyond most novels, that combination of…wonder and attraction.”
— New York Times“The most significant and triumphant work that Lewis has…produced.”
— New York Herald Tribune“In Mr. Lewis’ sensitive hands the ancient myth retains its fascination while being endowed with new meanings, new depths, new terrors.”
— Saturday Review“Whenever [Wanda McCaddon] reads, a sensation of comfort creeps into the atmosphere. Her vocal clarity and understanding of the author’s meaning bring pleasure and even security to the listening of each work.”
— AudioFile“[McCaddon’s] reading is well paced, her voice light, soft, or strained as the action waxes and wanes.”
— Kliatt" Interesting rendering of the tale of Cupid and Psyche in a 'pre-Christian' world. Took a while to get into it, but once I got used to the rhythm, language, names, etc it was a good read. "
— Gloria, 2/20/2014" Read several years ago, but recently attended a lecture on it and so reread it in preparation. Much more beautiful than I remembered it. Definitely the culmination of a lifetime of scholarship and writing. "
— Kevin, 2/14/2014" Not the usual Lewis but quite interesting. "
— Neil, 2/9/2014" Great novel, it just draws you in. It really adds a depth to the myth of Amor and Psyche. "
— Caroline, 2/5/2014" This was a hard one to read just because it's packed with lots of deeper meanings and since I have to stop and start with reading, it's hard to pick it back up and remember what I had read before. I'll definitely have to read this one again. "
— Julia, 1/27/2014" 3.5 stars, really. I probably won't read it again...but it was an interesting story. "
— Kelly, 1/23/2014" This is my favorite book! "
— Carly, 1/22/2014" This book has had a profound effect on my theology and my view of story telling in general. C.S. Lewis does it like no other. "
— Emilyann, 1/15/2014" I think I need to reread the end... "
— Jeanette, 1/14/2014" Hard to get into, but worth it. "
— Melanie, 1/8/2014" I didn't quite understand al of the symbolism, but what I could understand was great. "
— Jacqueline, 1/2/2014" never liked lewis much, but this book book is something - like something totally awesome. it is very well written, beautiful story that explores the nature of faith. "
— Dina, 12/4/2013" This book was touching and wonderfully written, so enthralling I read it in two days. However, anyone but C.S Lewis would have totally butchered the story. "
— Maria, 11/20/2013" I've read this book many times and each time it proves itself to be my favorite book. It is an absolute delight to read. "
— Jocelyn, 10/3/2013" great book by a great storyteller. "
— Gosunflowers, 8/27/2013" Very interesting re-telling of "The Tale of Cupid and Psyche", set in pre-Christian Europe but with strong Christian themes. "
— Kathleen, 6/22/2013" I try to read this book yearly... Always new for me... "
— Rebekah, 5/1/2013" Refreshing take on what we often see as important, our inability to see our true motivations and how our actions are impacted, and how we see others. "
— Aaron, 4/6/2013" Except for the name on the cover, no reader be able to tell this was written by a man. "
— Seth, 2/1/2013" This was pivotal for me when I read it college. "
— Joseph, 11/2/2012" C. S. Lewis is one of my favorite authors, spanning several genres, and this is my favorite of his adult fiction. "
— Suz, 7/23/2012" Captivating retelling of an age-old myth I had never heard of:) The characters were a bit over the top, but I suppose this needs be when telling any story with a moral. I grew to hate the narrator, her suffocating self-pity, and her pride in thinking that her love was the epitome of love itself. "
— Lyndsey, 7/21/2012" An awesome book. I want to read it again. "
— Barbara, 6/25/2012" read about 10 times! love love love this book. "
— Cat, 11/10/2011" If my house was on fire and I had just enough time to grab one book on my way out the door, it would be this one. It resonated deeply with me; I somehow completely relate to the protagonist. "
— Grace, 11/6/2011" This is a retelling of the story of Cupid and Psyche, from Psyche's sister's perspective. C.S. Lewis has made the story into a sort of allegory about different types of love. It was a very interesting read! "
— Marissa, 10/17/2011" I remember reading this in High School. I loved it then. I assume I would still really like it and would like to re-read it, at least once. "
— Kimberly, 6/20/2011" OK, is it just me? I have trouble with CS Lewis. I thought I would really enjoy this book about a princess etc. But, it was a hard read. Not long, just a lot of thinking involved. But, I still got through it and it was "interesting". "
— Sara, 6/16/2011" Need to read it again. And probably a third time. Except that I saw it done as a play and it pulled it together neatly for me.<br/><br/>Definitely on my list of books to read again. "
— Cynthia, 6/11/2011" Probably most favorite C.S. Lewis book. So beautifully told. Reminds me of the fairy tales that Robin McKinley retells. The basic story is still there put it is so creatively and elaborately presented. "
— Alison, 6/10/2011" My all time favorite. "Love begins to be a demon the moment it begins to be a god." (Lewis, The Four Loves) "
— Val, 6/6/2011" I really enjoyed his take on the Phyche/Cupid story. It was well written & he made some intersting points. "
— Alli, 6/5/2011" Amazing. A beautiful story with themes easily identified with my own life, which you don't see every day when you read a book. I loved it and I could easily see myself reading it again. "
— Chloe, 6/1/2011" An excellent both! Delightful as a work of fiction, and also very though provoking! The title's meaning is not revealed until the end, but its worth waiting for! "
— Emily, 5/31/2011" I cried. I really think you should read this. "
— Allegra, 5/26/2011" C.S. Lewis is a ninja of words. "
— Laura, 5/25/2011" Please forgive me, Mr. Lewis, but mythology is not my thing. <br/><br/>I tried, I really tried. "
— Brittany, 5/19/2011" Brilliant! A story in the line of the classic mythologies. Non-typical CS Lewis, and worth the time for every Lewis fan to read. "
— Adrienne, 5/15/2011" proves how incredibly corrupt polytheism is, using one of those forms of reasoning where you start out assuming something false is true, you know? but worth reading for sure, I love CS Lewis "
— Elatedgiraffe, 5/6/2011Clive Staples Lewis (1898–1963) was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably the most influential Christian writer of his day. He was a fellow and tutor in English literature at Oxford University until 1954, when he was unanimously elected to the chair of Medieval and Renaissance English at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement. His major contributions to literary criticism, children’s literature, fantasy literature, and popular theology brought him international renown and acclaim. Lewis wrote more than thirty books, allowing him to reach a vast audience, and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year. His most distinguished and popular accomplishments include the Chronicles of Narnia, Out of the Silent Planet, The Four Loves, The Screwtape Letters, and Mere Christianity.
Wanda McCaddon (d. 2023) narrated well over six hundred titles for major audiobook publishers, sometimes with the pseudonym Nadia May or Donada Peters. She earned the prestigious Audio Award for best narration and numerous Earphones Awards. She was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine.