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4.13 AVERAGE
4.13 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Mixed feelings about this one, probably the first le guin work i’ve read and disliked. Not sure what it is either, possibly the constant descriptions of this “average” man, the fetishised description of the lawyer, the implications of having otherworldly powers that only he can handle idk just an overall ick.
challenging
dark
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A fascinating read about humanity and spirituality. In this relatively short book, Le Guin manages to tackle important themes about what makes us individuals and how societies work, with a cautionary tale riffing on “be careful what you wish for.”
In the hands of a lesser writer, it could have gotten tedious as we explore George’s (the main character's) dreams and the ensuing changes to reality. But Le Guin pulls it off easily. Her world-building is effortless, and she shows it off by recreating her own world several times in less than 200 pages! It never feels forced or confusing. It’s always very clear and pleasing to read.
I don’t want to dwell on the story too much, as I think it’s something that one should experience, not describe (a bit like a Philip K. Dick story), but I do highly recommend it.
The quality of the prose, the originality of the story, and the important topics make it a wholesome, excellent science fiction novel. Sure, the characters aren’t that deep and basically serve as plot devices, but I don’t really care if the story is compelling and relevant. This story is both, on many levels.
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Playing with timelines is hard, but Le Guin has masterfully written multiple realities in this book and it made sense.
I really enjoyed this book and its multilayered meanings. It feels like a book you can and should come back especially when you're losing perspective of things. The nature of reality, the morality of playing god. There are still so many themes to explore and I'll be sure to revisit it when I can.
I really enjoyed this book and its multilayered meanings. It feels like a book you can and should come back especially when you're losing perspective of things. The nature of reality, the morality of playing god. There are still so many themes to explore and I'll be sure to revisit it when I can.
This book started off slow for me - so slow in fact, that I almost gave up on it a couple of times. However, I had heard how good it was from so many folks that I decided to tough it out, and I'm glad I did.
Le Guin's classic is an interesting mix of philosophy, psychology, dystopia along with a dash of sci-fi. It poses some interesting questions about free will, morality, duty to society, and humanity's place in the greater cosmos. I found myself equally parts entertained and disturbed by the portrayal of the "power" that protagonist George Orr displays but cannot truly control. The book suffers a bit from its dated-nature but I found myself contemplating some great philosophical arguments by the time I finished the novel.
Le Guin's classic is an interesting mix of philosophy, psychology, dystopia along with a dash of sci-fi. It poses some interesting questions about free will, morality, duty to society, and humanity's place in the greater cosmos. I found myself equally parts entertained and disturbed by the portrayal of the "power" that protagonist George Orr displays but cannot truly control. The book suffers a bit from its dated-nature but I found myself contemplating some great philosophical arguments by the time I finished the novel.