Reviews

Changing Planes by Ursula K. Le Guin

houlette's review against another edition

4.0

Similar to but more successful than Christopher Priest's Islanders. Also reminiscent of Borges or Calvino at times. The writing is solid but not Le Guin's best - admittedly a high bar - and overall it's a fun read.

digiacomoa's review against another edition

reflective medium-paced

3.75

A quick and enjoyable read. Le Guin uses the idea of traveling between alternative dimensions as to craft a collection of short stories exploring unique people and cultures, many of which provide commentary on our own society. While not her strongest piece of writing (if the short stories  were any longer, I may have struggled to finish the book), yet her creativity astounded me like always.

Would also be a great resource for your next Dnd campaign 👌

tyrshand's review against another edition

5.0

The writing and the reader made this immensely satisfying. I'm really bummed that the book ended and I'll know longer have this wry, charming, intelligent woman telling me fascinating stories of her travels through the planes.

smallwonders's review against another edition

adventurous funny reflective fast-paced

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

4.5

catterwaul's review against another edition

3.0

Weird. Enjoyable, but not my favorite Le Guin so far, and very, very weird.

cappog's review against another edition

adventurous funny reflective relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.25

avmire's review against another edition

not my writing style

stuffedonion's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

3.25

barnaclethereal's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.5

A fun quick read. Each short story felt like the jumping off point for a D&D campaign. I'm going to buy a copy for that purpose precisely. As thanks so much for your enduring creativity Ursula.

m4tr1m0ny's review against another edition

4.0

I stand by my disappointment that this didn't have an overarching plot. My favorite parts were definitely the ones in which the narrator was actually interacting with the people and the various planes, though I did enjoy the more descriptive/historical parts. Favorites: "Feeling at Home with the Hennebet", "Seasons of the Ansarac", "The Nna Mmoy Language", "The Island of the Immortals". I also adored the library setting of "Woeful Tales from Mahigul".