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A review by avalette
Tehanu by Ursula K. Le Guin
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
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
3.25
I think this is my least favorite so far. Its not bad by any means, in fact I was excited to read another book that follows Tenar. The story is less magical in nature compared to the previous three and instead focuses on the fear Tenar experiences.
There are still magical elements present. We see the dragon from the previous book and are told about how man and dragon used to be one. There is clearly some magical importance with a woman on Gont, because of a vision about finding a woman on the island. The magic is still there, its just lessened.
I understand why Le Guin wrote this book, questioning gender roles and general sexism in society, which granted was very interesting. Having Ged feel like his life is over while Tenar is trying to keep Therru and herself safe felt frustrating at times. When Tenar's son returns and demands the farm, Tenar feels like she raised a failure of a son. Le Guin does a fantastic job highlighting the fear women face both as individuals and as in Tenar's case mothers.
I think the most damning part of the commentary is when Tenar and Ged are captured. I adore Tenar as a character and, while her relationship with Ged in this book in particular is not my favorite, seeing both of them reduced to such a degree was horribly upsetting. Especially for Tenar, the description of her torment was sickening to read.
Again, its not a bad book. I just don't find it as interesting as the previous three in terms of magical storytelling. Le Guin always tells the stories of Earthsea to mean more than just what is literally happening in the book and to make some commentary she feels needs to be said. And the commentary is good. I just think overall this book is the weakest of the Earthsea cycle I have read.
There are still magical elements present. We see the dragon from the previous book and are told about how man and dragon used to be one. There is clearly some magical importance with a woman on Gont, because of a vision about finding a woman on the island. The magic is still there, its just lessened.
I understand why Le Guin wrote this book, questioning gender roles and general sexism in society, which granted was very interesting. Having Ged feel like his life is over while Tenar is trying to keep Therru and herself safe felt frustrating at times. When Tenar's son returns and demands the farm, Tenar feels like she raised a failure of a son. Le Guin does a fantastic job highlighting the fear women face both as individuals and as in Tenar's case mothers.
I think the most damning part of the commentary is when Tenar and Ged are captured. I adore Tenar as a character and, while her relationship with Ged in this book in particular is not my favorite, seeing both of them reduced to such a degree was horribly upsetting. Especially for Tenar, the description of her torment was sickening to read.
Again, its not a bad book. I just don't find it as interesting as the previous three in terms of magical storytelling. Le Guin always tells the stories of Earthsea to mean more than just what is literally happening in the book and to make some commentary she feels needs to be said. And the commentary is good. I just think overall this book is the weakest of the Earthsea cycle I have read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Rape