Cupid

Cupid
by Julius Lester
Harcourt, 2007. 198 pgs. Young Adult

An anonymous narrator tells the story of Cupid and Psyche and throws in his own commentary on the story. Pysche is a beautiful mortal--so beautiful that people stop worshiping the beautiful goddess Venus. Venus is jealous and orders her mischievous and somewhat cruel son Cupid to make Pysche's life miserable. That sounds like fun to Cupid--until he sees Pysche and falls in love with her and even arranges a marriage to her. He has to keep his feelings for her a secret from his mother and his identity secret from his new wife.

This tale of love and desire is greatly enhanced by the narrator. Although you never know who exactly he his, his voice is rich, and his commentary on Cupid's immaturity, Venus's vanity, and more definitely liven up the tale. A good read for those interested in mythology and who enjoy "listening" to a good storyteller.

AE