Reviews with content warning for Self harm - Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold

I’m not sure if I would’ve liked this book more if I hadn't already known the story of Psyche and Eros, because I can be more forgiving of a sister seeking to destroy Psyche’s happiness out of envy rather than one who ruined it due to ego. One, who weaponized the love Psyche had for her so that she could get what she wanted, because she claimed to know best. It was also frustrating seeing Orual take no responsibility for all the decisions and actions she made, instead placing blame on the gods and a lack of agency. She was incapable of looking beyond herself at all. “There’s one part love in your heart, and five parts anger, and seven parts pride.”

I really only liked the last chapter of the book, seeing Orual realize all her visions were the tasks Psyche had to complete, and the phrase “you also are Psyche” being understood. As much as I didn’t care for the other parts of the novel, I loved how the hardships assigned to Psyche were ultimately split between her and Orual: for while Psyche were to complete the tasks, Orual bore all the anguish. This part alone deserves so much praise.

But the funniest part of the book was when Psyche pulled a Tai Fraiser and basically said “why am I even listening to you. you’re a virgin who can’t drive” to her sister.

Content Warnings

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challenging mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

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