by equustel » May 26th, 2010, 11:17 pm
Till We Have Faces is far and away my favorite Lewis; in fact, it is probably my favorite piece of fiction ever. I completely understand why some people have trouble getting through it. Not the most accessible thing Lewis ever wrote, and a big departure from his signature voice and style. But when I first read it, something in me changed. No book before or since has spoken to me on such a level.
Besides the personal significance, I also love how it reflects Lewis's growth as a person. The first part of the book was written before he had become a Christian, which gives it so much added weight (as well as everything that follows). And then there's the way he writes Orual - I think his relationship with Joy is part of what made him able to flesh out such a real, three-dimensional female perspective, with such a geniune voice. Amazing character.
I quote the ending lines all the time, whenever I become too distracted in my pursuit (and occasional demand of) answers to the Big Questions.