Exquisite


This work is just absolutely gorgeous. The view of justice presented within it is perhaps a bit too mature for my current understanding, yet that very fact only serves to enhance the strength and depth of Le Guin's creation. It's a literary masterpiece that I simply cannot recommend highly enough. Every page is filled with thought-provoking ideas and beautifully crafted prose that draws the reader in and refuses to let go. The way Le Guin explores the concept of justice is both complex and engaging, making it a must-read for anyone interested in deep and meaningful literature. Whether you're a seasoned reader or just starting out, this work is sure to leave a lasting impression.

This is a book that appears deceptively simple at first glance.

On the surface, it presents a coming-of-age story set in an occupied and oppressed land.

However, as one delves deeper into the narrative, much more sophisticated themes begin to emerge.

Themes such as censorship, freedom of religion and the nature of belief, as well as repression and rebellion, are intricately woven throughout the story.

To add an extra layer of allure, there is just enough magic and mystery to cast a spell on the reader.

Personally, I found this book to be more engaging and hopeful than the first installment in the Annals of the Western Shore.

The story's complexity and depth kept me hooked from start to finish.

I am now eagerly anticipating the release of book 3, eager to see how the story will continue to unfold and what new revelations and adventures await the characters.

Overall, this is a book that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and captivating read.

This was my favorite of the trilogy. It truly stands alone exceptionally well. In fact, I have a strong suspicion that I will ultimately end up recommending it on its own to several individuals.

The story delves deep into the ways to bring about major social change. It explores various forms of resistance against tyranny, meticulously analyzing the pros and cons of each approach. Additionally, it touches upon the crucial aspects of intellectual stewardship and the transfer of knowledge.

I firmly believe that this work would hold great appeal for people who, just like me, were avid readers during their childhood. They may have faced mockery or dismissal from others for their love of reading. This story offers them a sense of validation and connection, as it speaks to their experiences and interests.

It is a thought-provoking and engaging piece that has the potential to resonate with a wide range of readers.

Memer is a siege brat. She is one of the numerous children born to Ansul women who were raped by the invading Alds. The arrival of the maker Orrec, his wife Gry, and their halflion Shetar causes a great stir in Ansul. It stokes the fires of rebellion. His song, "Liberty", is being sung, and there is growing unrest in the city. Everyone looks to Galvamand - the Oracle House - for guidance but finds none. The Waylord of Galva has been broken by torture, and although he can offer council, it is not the kind the people wish to hear.

However, Memer is also a daughter of Galva. She must overcome her hatred of the Alds to discover her true voice.

I believe I liked this book the best among the Annals of the Western Shore. Mainly because I liked Memer and her voice. Also, Orrec and Gry play a significant part in this book. I love who they have become in the years since they left the Uplands.

Despite being part of an apparent "trilogy", Voices transports you into a completely different world than Gifts. Ansul is far in the south, and the Uplands and their gifts are a mystery to the people of Ansul. Memer only knows of them due to her access to the secret room of Galvamand - a place only she and the Waylord can enter. There are echoes of Fahrenheit 451 in the way the Alds destroy all books and writing because they consider them evil (though by water instead of fire, as fire is sacred) and how one girl (and her mentor) attempts to fight it.

In Voices, Le Guin maintains her beautiful prose but makes it more accessible and inviting, especially for a modern reader.

Ursula K. Le Guin is one of the famous science fiction writers. She wrote when this genre was under the domination of men who emphasized the physical and astronomical theories in stories. With her brilliant creativity, she created memorable stories. Her works are considered as feminist and social science fiction. One of the prominent features of her writing is giving human aspects to this genre.

In an interview with Le Guin, I read that her father was a famous anthropologist and had a great influence on her. Her approach to social sciences and philosophy brought a novelty to the science fiction genre. It is interesting for me that many writers have announced that they have referred to anthropological research sources and got inspired by them when writing books, like Ursula K. Le Guin.

The book "The Tombs of Atuan" is the second volume of a trilogy with related but independent stories. There are fictional lands with different religions, languages and cultures. Some nomads attack their neighboring lands apparently for religious reasons. There are also warriors who are strongly against books (reading and writing). Their biggest goal is the destruction of the city of Anarres which is famous for having the largest library and university. The heroine of the story is a young and rebellious girl. She has a special ability to read ancient languages. Gradually, she is accompanied by friends with other abilities in the hope that they will finally free the city from the hands of its captors and save the books.

Anarres has always been cautious about those who claim to have the power of truth. It said: "In Anarres, we don't take power, we borrow it."

This is a companion book to LeGuin's earlier work, "Gifts." However, it can also function as a stand-alone novel. The story is set approximately 20 years after the events of "Gifts." While the two main characters from the previous book do make appearances, they are not the central figures here.

The narrative unfolds in an occupied and defeated country. The invaders, distrustful and afraid of the written word, which they view as a form of demonic magic, have been on a mission to seek out and destroy all books. But young Memer has grown up in a household that still secretly harbors a forbidden library. Despite being a "half-breed" child of rape, she may also be the heir to powers and mysteries that the invaders would consider their worst nightmares come true.

"Voices" is not only an exciting, vivid, and magic-filled fantasy tale but also, like many of LeGuin's books, a serious political commentary. The invaders in this story, with their hatred of education and disrespect for women, bear an undeniable resemblance to fundamentalist extremists today. Although LeGuin's dislike of such extremism is abundantly clear, she presents a compelling and effective argument against violence and revenge. Instead, she points to the historically proven economic and social benefits of compromise, cooperation, and a gradual understanding of each other's humanity among widely differing peoples.

This book is both entertaining and relevant. The world would indeed be a better place if everyone read it and heeded its message.

3.5 Stars

This rating of 3.5 stars indicates a somewhat above-average experience.

It shows that there are elements that are quite good, but perhaps not perfect.

Maybe the product or service has some minor flaws or areas that could be improved.

However, overall, it still manages to provide a decent level of satisfaction.

It might have some unique features or qualities that set it apart from others in its category.

While it may not be the top choice for everyone, it definitely has its merits and can be a viable option for those looking for a reasonably good product or service.

With a little more attention to detail and refinement, it could potentially reach an even higher level of excellence and earn a higher star rating.

This book is truly remarkable and provides a great deal of comfort.

If I were to assume the role of a teacher, I would most definitely have my students read this particular book rather than Fahrenheit 451.

The reason for this choice lies in the fact that it conveys a much broader message about peace and conflict.

It not only emphasizes the importance of not burning books but also delves deeper into the complex themes of maintaining peace and resolving conflicts in a more comprehensive manner.

This book has the potential to open the minds of students and encourage them to think critically about these crucial issues.

It offers valuable insights and perspectives that can help students develop a more nuanced understanding of the world around them.

Overall, it is a book that I believe would have a profound impact on the educational experience of my students.

This.

This is precisely what I have been yearning to read for an incredibly long time.

After a rather tumultuous 2016 in the realm of reading, it was truly heartwarming to come across a novel that completely and utterly bewitched me.

The anticipation had been building up within me, and finally, this book arrived like a ray of light in the darkness.

It had all the elements that I had been seeking - a captivating plot, well-developed characters, and beautiful prose.

From the very first page, I was drawn into its world and couldn't tear myself away.

It was as if the author had cast a spell on me, making me lose all sense of time and place.

This novel has truly rejuvenated my love for reading and has become one of my all-time favorites.

I can't wait to share it with others and let them experience the magic for themselves.

A rich and imaginative book, I believe, would have been more effective if it had been presented as a full adult fantasy rather than a Young Adult (YA) novel. The detailed world that has been created within the book, complete with its overly realistic and gritty plot, stands in stark contrast to the first-person perspective of our young main character.

The adult fantasy genre typically allows for a more in-depth exploration of complex themes and darker subject matters. In this case, the detailed and gritty nature of the plot seems to be at odds with the youthful and perhaps more innocent perspective of the main character. This contrast can sometimes make it difficult for the reader to fully immerse themselves in the story.

However, it is important to note that this does not necessarily mean that the book is a failure. The rich imagination and detailed world-building are still值得称赞的 aspects. It may simply be that the book would have found a more receptive audience within the adult fantasy genre.

I listened to this book on audio, and let me tell you, the narrator was truly great.

He had an excellent ability to evoke both the place and the feeling, making me feel as if I was right there in the story.

Although there weren't a lot of distinct character voices for the various characters, it actually fit quite well.

This is because the story is told in the first person, and everything is filtered through Memer's head.

I did find that the story was a bit on the slower-paced end of the spectrum.

The main character is central to a lot of the action, but she doesn't actually do a whole lot.

There is a trigger warning that I need to mention. She is the product of a wartime rape, and this is discussed on several occasions in the story.

It's not described graphically, but it does have an impact on the main character's station in life and the way others perceive her.

The invaders had a different skin tone and hair color, so the "siege brats" look different from both the locals and the invaders.

Despite the slower pace and the heavy subject matter, the story had a dreamy quality to it.

There was a cadence that was at times truly mesmerizing.

The tale of revolt as told from within was fascinating.

I strongly recommend this book, but I do want to give fair warning about both the slower pace/action and the rape points.

Also, FYI, I didn't realize this was part of a series. For me, it worked perfectly well as a standalone book, and I haven't read the other titles.

A lot more seems to occur in "Voices" compared to the first book of the trilogy, "Gifts". It is filled with greater tension, more drive, and gives the impression of being more complete. Ursula Le Guin has a penchant for writing exquisitely beautiful books that lack immediacy or excitement due to having very little in the way of a plot. I still have a fondness for them, but many people might not bother to read them. "Voices" is not like that. It features a captivating plot, along with engaging characters, beautiful prose, and meticulous worldbuilding. Everything here is on point.

Gry and Orrec, who were introduced in the first book, also play significant roles in this one. Orrec, in particular, is crucial to the plot, while Gry is of great importance to the narrator, Memer, in terms of the emotional aspect of the book. It is wonderful to see these characters and observe how they have developed. However, if you haven't read "Gifts", it's actually okay, I believe, to just read "Voices". You might be missing out on some context, but you could still enjoy "Voices" on its own.

Le Guin's "agenda" is more evident in this book. Certain aspects of it, such as the idea of the people of Ansul being peaceful and "set free to be free", remind me of "The Eye of The Heron". For a large part of the book, there is a powerful, oppressive, occupying force that needs to be overthrown. I really appreciate that the people of Ansul remain relatively peaceful - not in an unnatural way that stretches belief too much, but still, peaceful. There is much food for thought regarding the nature of liberty, religious/cultural conflict, and politics.

Interestingly, I have relatively less to say about this book, even though more happens in it than in "Gifts". Perhaps that's because it is easier to let the book speak for itself.