A review by maggie6832
The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin

challenging emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

3.75

What a fascinating book. I feel like I need to really spend some time unpacking this, possibly by writing an essay and finding sources. I really enjoyed seeing how this book progressed and the way it laid out for the argument for the end not justifying the means - the process is the product, you can’t just aim for a better world while skipping all the steps in the middle that get you there, that make it meaningful! And the idea of all the changes that Haber made not making the world better, just blander, and him imposing his will on the whole world without any of their consent or buy in or input, assuming he always knew best! And George’s sense of will, of self and serenity, and the aliens! And Heather, how different she was when she was no longer Black and her relationship with George, and the worldbuilding. I will be turning this book over in my mind for awhile.