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A review by niakantorka
Rocannon's World by Ursula K. Le Guin
challenging
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
It was palpable that this was Ursula K. LeGuin’s first book. It showed her typical style of storytelling and of portraying characters but - to me - it lacked something. I would be exaggerating to say it lacked heart because I definitely felt Rocannon’s motivation and I could emphasise with him. I think, it was depth I was missing in the connections between the characters. For example Rocannon and Kyo’s relationship was super interesting and yet it sometimes seemed too shallow for how well they were connected. Same with Rocannon and Mogien or Rocannon and Yahan.
This book, for that it was science fiction, had a lot of fantasy and fairytale elements. That added to its unique story but also made it harder to connect with its characters. Revenge was the main motivator in the novel and I can see how in the later books of the Hainish cycle the characters have more elaborate goals and are more fleshed out. And yet, I was mesmerised from the world building with the windsteeds, the different races (goodness, those Winged Ones werv such creepy guys), and the way some races could connect with each other (or more rarely between species) via telepathy.
Honestly , like all books by Ursula K. LeGuin this story will stay with me for a while. Also, I can say that I’m looking forward to reading the next one, Planet of Exile.
This book, for that it was science fiction, had a lot of fantasy and fairytale elements. That added to its unique story but also made it harder to connect with its characters. Revenge was the main motivator in the novel and I can see how in the later books of the Hainish cycle the characters have more elaborate goals and are more fleshed out. And yet, I was mesmerised from the world building with the windsteeds, the different races (goodness, those Winged Ones werv such creepy guys), and the way some races could connect with each other (or more rarely between species) via telepathy.
Honestly , like all books by Ursula K. LeGuin this story will stay with me for a while. Also, I can say that I’m looking forward to reading the next one, Planet of Exile.