Genre: Science fiction
Age Demographic 16+
POV: 3rd person
Publish: 1971
Page Count: 176
Summary: In a world beset by climate instability and overpopulation, George Orr discovers that his dreams have the power to alter reality. Upon waking, the world he knew has become a strange, barely recognizable place, where only George has the clear memory of how it was before. He seeks counseling from Dr. William Haber, a psychiatrist who immediately understands how powerful a weapon George wields. Soon, George is a pawn in Haber’s dangerous game, where the fate of humanity grows more imperiled with every waking hour.
Review
Other than the Earthsea series I never read any of Ursula K. Le Guin’s other books. I have read her anthology collection and some short stories in some other anthologies. So I am familiar with her writing.
The story wasted no time in getting to the action of the story that I read this book in two days. The theme of the story is about reality and identity. How changes, in reality, can change someone’s identity. At first, changes are not surface level. Their found in the background only minor, like the character’s childhood would change. The more reality changes the more their identity changes.
Le Gain goes all out on this concept. Another theme is introduced later on. That being power. What happens when we’re given free range to alter reality? Knowing human nature, we will take hold of power every chance we get.
There is not much I can say about the writing and characters. Ursula K. Le Guin has shown again and again that she a great writer. If you don’t like one book by Le Guin, then read another book. Her writing in each book is different enough in tone that you can enjoy at least one of her books.
