In this timeless tale of two princesses—one beautiful and one unattractive—C. S. Lewis reworks the classical myth of Cupid and Psyche into an enduring piece of contemporary fiction. This is the story of Orual, Psyche's embittered and ugly older sister, who possessively and harmfully loves Psyche. Much to Orual's frustration, Psyche is loved by Cupid, the god of love himself, setting the troubled Orual on a path of moral development.
Set against the backdrop of Glome, a barbaric, pre-Christian world, the struggles between sacred and profane love are illuminated as Orual learns that we cannot understand the intent of the gods "till we have faces" and sincerity in our souls and selves.
"In [his] sensitive hands, the ancient myth retains its fascination while being endowed with new meaning, new depths, new terrors."—Saturday Review
If you want to read a version of the story this novel is based on, you can read it here: Cupid and Psyche (PDF format).
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