Scan barcode
A review by goblinhearted
The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin
3.0
The Lathe of Heaven offers a compelling and original premise: a man whose dreams have the ability to alter reality, including the history of the world itself. This man, George Orr, finds himself at the mercy of a psychiatrist who specializes in dream research– and who is determined to reshape the world accordion to his own vision.
The novel explores profound themes of power, philosophy, the ethics of playing God, and the inherent dangers of tampering with the natural order of things.
While the concept is undeniably original, I found the execution uneven at times. George Orr, our dreamer, comes across as passive and forgettable, while Dr. Haber, the manipulative psychiatrist, feels somewhat one-dimensional. The novel’s psychedelic and confusing ending left me wanting more clarity.
As a big fan of Le Guin’s work, I’m still glad I read this. Despite its flaws, it showcases her skill as a writer and storyteller. However, in my opinion, The Lathe of Heaven is one of her weaker works.
The novel explores profound themes of power, philosophy, the ethics of playing God, and the inherent dangers of tampering with the natural order of things.
While the concept is undeniably original, I found the execution uneven at times. George Orr, our dreamer, comes across as passive and forgettable, while Dr. Haber, the manipulative psychiatrist, feels somewhat one-dimensional. The novel’s psychedelic and confusing ending left me wanting more clarity.
As a big fan of Le Guin’s work, I’m still glad I read this. Despite its flaws, it showcases her skill as a writer and storyteller. However, in my opinion, The Lathe of Heaven is one of her weaker works.