Ursula K. Le Guin's The Lathe of Heaven asks not only “Can we imagine the future?” but “What is the price for that future?” It's a brilliant work, revolving around the relationship between George Orr (who may or may not be a reference to George Orwell) and his psychiatrist, William Haber. Bend me your ear... Continue Reading →
In a move that will doubtlessly go over well with every fantasy fan out there, I decided to have a little fun with some of my favourite classical fantasy novels. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jid2cLw6l_E Staples of the genre indeed! How would you describe these five books in a sentence?
A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine First of all, look at that cover art. Look at it. It's breathtaking. It creates within you certain expectations, of majesty and power and Empire, of two cultures clashing with one another, of two individuals removed from all others for entirely different reasons. It sets up a confrontation,... Continue Reading →
First, let's get over the rules. One: This is not my "Best of 2019" list. That list is coming at the end of January or the beginning of February. Some of the books that appear here will probably appear there, as well - and some won't. I'm taking my time with it because I have... Continue Reading →
Originally posted over at booknest.eu. Published by: Gollancz, SF Masterworks Series Genre: Science Fiction Pages: 128 Format: Paperback Here is a work of speculative fiction worthy of the “Masterworks” label. The Word for World is Forest by Ursula K. Le Guin has plenty of meat on the bone despite the short number of pages its... Continue Reading →
Or: How many different ways can I name my reader's diary? These past few days, I had the pleasure of finishing several novels and beginning several more, as well as reading another short story by the brilliant Ursula Le Guin. A Dangerous Fortune by Ken Follett This is my second proper piece of historical fiction... Continue Reading →
I've the highest regard for Ursula K. Le Guin. In tandem with that, I have something rather more tangible: one of her volumes of "The Unreal and the Real," in particular the second volume, called "Outer Space, Inner Lands". And what a fine volume of short stories it is -- if you've little experience with... Continue Reading →
Illustrated by Charles Vess Ursula K. Le Guin's legacy will echo throughout the world of fantasy for as long as the genre is read. Chief amongst her works are the six novels (and several short stories) based in Earthsea, a world of seas and islands, and adventure most of all. I've had this classic on... Continue Reading →
