Till We Have Faces | C.S. Lewis

Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold

Accolades & Praise

• A Masterpiece Revisited: Widely regarded by C. S. Lewis and many others as his finest, most mature, and masterly novel.
• A Profound Retelling: A brilliant and enduring reimagining of the classic myth of Cupid and Psyche.

Extended Synopsis

C. S. Lewis—the great British writer, scholar, lay theologian, broadcaster, Christian apologist, and bestselling author of Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, The Chronicles of Narnia, and many other beloved classics—brilliantly reimagines the story of Cupid and Psyche in Till We Have Faces.

Told from the unique viewpoint of Psyche’s older sister, Orual, the narrative serves as a deep and searching examination of envy, betrayal, loss, blame, grief, guilt, and conversion. Born into royalty and facing deep personal struggles, Orual fiercely challenges the decrees of the gods when her beloved younger sister is demanded as a sacrifice to a shadowy deity.

In this, his final novel, Lewis reminds us of our own fallibility and the complex, humbling role of a higher power in human lives. It remains a towering achievement in visionary fiction and psychological depth.

About the Author

C. S. Lewis (1898–1963) was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers 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 Literature at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement.

Reader Targeting

• Devoted readers of classic literature, mythology, and allegorical fiction.
• Fans of C. S. Lewis exploring his deeper adult fiction beyond his children's series and apologetics.
• Individuals interested in philosophical and spiritual examinations of human nature, grief, and divine justice.

Bibliographic & Physical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What myth is this novel based on?
Till We Have Faces is a brilliant retelling of the classical myth of Cupid and Psyche.

Whose perspective is the story told from?
Unlike traditional tellings, the story is narrated from the viewpoint of Orual, Psyche’s older sister, offering an entirely new psychological lens on the events.

Is this considered C. S. Lewis's final novel?
Yes, it is widely regarded as Lewis's final, most mature, and masterly work of fiction.

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