Reviews

The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin

kiso's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

landonwittmer's review against another edition

5.0

A beautiful, concise science fiction story about manipulation, utilitarianism, and ends justifying the means. Most of the book is a pretty slow build to the last fifty or so pages, but since the book is fairly short, it's no bother, and those last fifty or so pages are incredible. That's not to say everything before it is tedious, just explanatory and a bit long at points. Sometimes it felt like I was reading an essay about brain waves, but that's just how science fiction rolls, and I can't blame Le Guin for her mastery of the genre and craft.
No real complaints. Great book, not my favorite, but I'm sure it is for a lot of people.

mbolls's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

jayseewhy's review against another edition

4.0

This is a fascinating story that explores the nature of power and reality. It's a quick read that I would definitely recommend.

nongshaw's review against another edition

4.0

ah yeah

bperl's review against another edition

4.0

Peak Le Guin, a great sci-fi premise, and CLEARLY an inspiration for Inception. Read it.

ubisunt's review against another edition

adventurous challenging reflective tense

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

monkeydlucy's review against another edition

2.0

Only rating 2 star as I have read this author before and I enjoy her writing style. I also thought the premise was interesting. Unfortunately, this book was a major disappointment. I believe the premise would have been more enjoyable if it went another direction. I was very bored with the book, halfway through I had to switch to the audiobook. Even still, I could only listen to a chapter or 2 a day, as the book never succeeded in grabbing my attention.

Most likely would not have finished the book if I wasn't reading for a book club.

crockpothead's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

bauery's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

4.0