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4.13 AVERAGE
4.13 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Cerebral, gripping, beautifully written. Not one of my favourite works of hers but short and well worth reading.
I love Ursula Le Guin. I don't know why I don't read and re-read her more often.
When I heard that next year's Academic Decathlon book was going to be The Lathe of Heaven I thought it was the perfect time to re-read it. I'm glad that I did because I did remember the story in general, but the details were very fuzzy.
Le Guin's writing is, as always, masterful in its ability to blend science fiction with philosophy and social commentary. It is the kind of science fiction that could be conflated with fantasy (kind of like some of her other works like "Those Who Walk Away from Omelas"). The characters are well-developed and their struggles are both relatable and engaging. The world-building is excellent and the descriptions of the alternate realities that George creates through his dreams are vivid and imaginative and so, so sad. The attempts and failures William Haber experiences when trying to use George as a vehicle to his 'perfect' world are heartbreaking because his heart is in the right place--at least at first.
What makes The Lathe of Heaven so great to me, though, is its exploration of the nature of reality and the role of humanity in shaping it. Le Guin asks important questions about the dangers of unchecked power and the responsibility that comes with it. She also touches on themes of identity, morality, and the meaning of existence.
When I heard that next year's Academic Decathlon book was going to be The Lathe of Heaven I thought it was the perfect time to re-read it. I'm glad that I did because I did remember the story in general, but the details were very fuzzy.
Le Guin's writing is, as always, masterful in its ability to blend science fiction with philosophy and social commentary. It is the kind of science fiction that could be conflated with fantasy (kind of like some of her other works like "Those Who Walk Away from Omelas"). The characters are well-developed and their struggles are both relatable and engaging. The world-building is excellent and the descriptions of the alternate realities that George creates through his dreams are vivid and imaginative and so, so sad. The attempts and failures William Haber experiences when trying to use George as a vehicle to his 'perfect' world are heartbreaking because his heart is in the right place--at least at first.
What makes The Lathe of Heaven so great to me, though, is its exploration of the nature of reality and the role of humanity in shaping it. Le Guin asks important questions about the dangers of unchecked power and the responsibility that comes with it. She also touches on themes of identity, morality, and the meaning of existence.
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It’s my first read from Le Guin, and I was pleasantly surprised of the way she blended references: in the narration, in the dialogue, and all the references were poignant. Made me feel like reading a sci fi but also an incursion into the author’s own library, which is always welcome!
I hated the aliens part for being really underdeveloped. It took me out of the story completely, it would’ve otherwise been a 5 star
Really interesting concept for a book! Holds up well for its age!
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Love doesn't just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread; remade all the time, made new.
adventurous
challenging
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes