While I don't think it's her best work, it truly demonstrates just how significantly a proficient writer can enhance a rather typical plot. The concept of "Misfits finding themselves in another world and embarking on a quest that leads them on a journey of self-discovery and growth" is quite familiar. However, LeGuin's outstanding writing infuses vivid life into every nook and cranny of this framework. If this were written by a less capable writer, I could easily envision myself dismissing it as forgettable. Here, I had such powerful mental images - the shabby grocery store where Hugh works, the apartment he shares with his mother, the village, the woods, the mountains. And it all boils down to the sheer quality of the concise yet evocative writing on show. It may not be essential LeGuin, but The Beginning Place is definitely worthy of a read if you're seeking something a bit YA-like.

I never ever would have thought I'd say this about an Ursula K. Le Guin book, but alas, I was bored.

The story line was tepid and slow-paced, lacking the excitement and energy that I've come to expect from Le Guin's works.

The romance was positively snooze-worthy, failing to engage my emotions or draw me into the characters' relationships.

And the alternate reality was dull, not offering the kind of imaginative and thought-provoking world-building that Le Guin is known for.

I suppose even a master like Le Guin has an off day on occasion.

So, my advice is don't bother with this one. Instead, go grab a copy of The Left Hand of Darkness or an Earthsea book.

These are some of Le Guin's best works and are sure to provide the kind of reading experience that fans of science fiction and fantasy have come to love.

To make a somewhat inaccurate yet still roughly representative over-broad observation, Le Guin's science fiction novels often explore anthropological and political theories, while her fantasy novels tend to unfold as parables, myths, or folklore.

Whereas A Wizard of Earthsea was a powerful Taoist parable, The Beginning Place presents a more general hero's journey. I sense that the two actually share quite a number of similarities. Perhaps this isn't discussed extensively because The Beginning Place is a bit more ambiguous in its intentions and has been relegated to the less prominent Le Guin works. However, they are both compelling coming-of-age narratives that utilize fantasy as a metaphor.

It was fascinating to see Le Guin in a realistic, contemporary setting once again. I don't believe I've witnessed that since The Lathe of Heaven. She truly captures the cyclical, mundane nightmare of being trapped in the lower class economy. The protagonists are caught between low-earning, low-respect grocery store check-out and courier jobs during the day and toxic family situations at night. These passages, along with the contrast with the fantasy realm they ultimately enter, were the highlights of the novel for me.

The fantasy aspect itself, though, didn't quite resonate with me as strongly. I'm not sure what to say other than it felt, in some way, underdeveloped. In Earthsea, everything is clearly a metaphor, yet it still feels like a world of its own. Here, the fantasy setting wasn't given as much depth, with too much left to abstraction. The characters embark on a journey, but it only loosely makes sense in rational terms and mainly functions in a symbolic sense. This can work, but something here didn't quite gel.

Nevertheless, I feel that this novel wouldn't be so largely overlooked if it had been part of one of Le Guin's more renowned series. It sits beside The Eye of the Heron on my shelf, which I adore and believe was similarly unjustly treated. Certainly, they deserve more appreciation than the first few novels of the Hainish Cycle.

A young man stumbles upon a gate. This gate offers him an escape from the overwhelming burdens of his ordinary and uneventful life. It leads him into a mysterious twilight world where time appears to stand still.

This is a fairytale, albeit a modest and unassuming one. It brings to mind Diana Wynne Jones's vivid portrayals of troubled family life and enchanting fantasy lands. It shares a similar sense of the numinous, yet it is considerably less lighthearted and fanciful. Instead, Ursula K. Le Guin's writing voice is precise, controlled, and punctuated with moments of sharp and profound insight.

The exploration of the premise forms the core of the book. The action, though meaningful, takes a backseat. Instead, the emphasis lies on the characters. The alternating points of view enable readers to see them from different perspectives, a literary device that Le Guin executes with great skill. It delves into what they seek to flee from and what escape ultimately entails.

I'm not entirely satisfied with the conclusions. They seem overly heteronormative and firmly rooted in the realm of normalcy, giving the impression of timidity. However, the overall themes, the restrained and captivating atmosphere, and the gently melancholy tone are all that I could have wished for. This is a small, yet exquisitely beautiful comfort read that offers a respite from the chaos of the real world.

I first encountered this book during my teenage years. So, when I recently discovered it available for a mere two dollars, I promptly made the decision to purchase it and embark on a reread.

I recalled it predominantly for its sensuality. As a teenager, reading it felt rather awkward for me, given that my mother had bestowed it upon me, and I was aware that she had already perused its pages.

Now, as an adult, the sensuality within the book appears somewhat cheesy - idealized and romanticized. However, it is not sleazy, nor does it feel gratuitous. Certainly, it is not a bodice ripper, although a few lines might give that impression.

Mostly, I value it for what it truly is: a coming-of-age story. I also have a penchant for the concept of a special, secret place. I believe that my favorite fantasy tales typically involve magical, private spaces that hold an allure and mystery, captivating my imagination and transporting me to otherworldly realms.

"The Beginning Place" is not a book that hangs together particularly well in terms of plot. The story in the book progresses almost too quickly, and the connection between the different scenes can seem at times to not tell a clear journey.

Despite this, Le Guin manages to write a story that is incredibly emotionally cohesive. The book's long sections that either focus on the characters' emotional states or are symbolic of the changes they go through create a clear narrative about the transition from youth to adulthood when one has grown up in a difficult situation. The story shows, through the fantastical world that the main characters flee into, how young people in that situation can flee into themselves or fantasy, the unreal. At the same time, the dragons' defeat in combination with their departure from the other world symbolizes how in order to free oneself from one's traumas and successfully become one's own adult, one must look the darkness in the eye and fight it. You really feel the emotional journey that the main characters go through, despite the lack of logic and connection in the world.

However, the world that Le Guin creates also seems very real, despite its strangeness to us, by having a clear internal logic that recurs for the beings that live in it.

This was an extremely intriguing and short novel that had the remarkable ability to transport me to a completely different place.

We are led to follow a young man and a young woman, both of whom have troubled lives. Separately, they manage to find their way to a magical twilight world. This world initially seems to offer them a much-needed haven from the harsh realities of modernity and their abusive families. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that this world has its own set of problems.

Both of the main characters were vividly drawn, with their life issues being all-too-believable and relatable. I was truly impressed by the author's ability to bring these characters to life. In fact, I would have毫不犹豫地 given the book five stars, if it weren't for the fact that the plot seemed to take a rather unexpected turn and go off a cliff. The resolution for the main characters was rather quick and a bit too neatly tied up, leaving me with a sense of dissatisfaction. At the same time, there were still lasting questions about the fate of the people in the alternate world that were left unanswered. Despite these flaws, it was still a very fun read that kept me engaged from start to finish.

The intimacy of the story is truly refreshing, especially when one considers the bookshelves that are groaning under the weight of recently-published fat fantasy volumes. Each of these volumes is a member of some indeterminably-numbered series.

This is the story of a village, of the threat that is facing it, and also of the personal problems of the protagonists.

It is not an easy book to get into. In fact, I'm not entirely convinced that its rewards are worth the effort. The pacing is rather slow, with a great deal of introspection. Moreover, the heavy hand of metaphor is present over most of it. Irene's resistance to the necessary task and to Hugh's presence forms a sort of headwind against the progress of the story.

However, I did like the subtlety of the inhabitants. These are clearly people whose language and thinking are not very conventional. It is never entirely clear exactly what the quest entails or its backstory, which adds an element of mystery and intrigue to the overall narrative.

All in all, while the book has its flaws, it also has some redeeming qualities that make it an interesting read.

Uuhhh, I guess it was okay.

There were several aspects of it that really rubbed me the wrong way. For instance, the ending was absolutely crap. It felt rushed and didn't tie up the loose ends properly.

The characters also didn't resonate with me very much. I'm sure they were meant to be realistic, but they came across as rather bland and uninteresting.

However, there was some potential in this story. I was initially quite interested in the culture and everything related to the other world that was described.

Unfortunately, as the plot developed, it seemed to kill the enjoyment I might have had in further exploring that world.

Moreover, the themes that emerged were ultimately quite contrary to the only interesting part of the book, which really annoyed me.

After considering all these factors, you know - I might just give this one star after all.

It's a shame because there was some promise in the beginning, but it ultimately failed to deliver on many fronts.

Le Guin is truly so good!

Her stories manage to contain both a sense of peace and a feeling of threat at the same time, along with deep contemplation and an engaging plot.

This time, the magic relaxes a little towards the end, but I still give the whole work a full four stars.

Ursula K. Le Guin's writing has a unique charm that draws readers in and keeps them hooked until the very last page.

Her ability to create complex and vivid worlds, populated by interesting characters, is truly remarkable.

Whether it's exploring themes of gender, power, or the human condition, Le Guin does so with a deft touch and a profound understanding.

Even when the story takes unexpected turns or the magic seems to wane, her writing remains engaging and thought-provoking.

Overall, this is yet another excellent work from a master of the genre.

I remember having a much stronger liking for this book the first time I read it.

Undoubtedly, I must have been in a completely different stage of my life then. Le Guin's tone and style in this particular book are distinct from those in "The Left Hand of Darkness" and "The Dispossessed", among others.

Personally, I really like it. Then again, I have a penchant for most of the things she does.

This book is rather unique in the sense that I find it difficult to envision a specific audience for which it was penned. The fantastic elements within it seem to appeal to a younger audience - perhaps teens?

However, I don't believe that teens would be able to fully comprehend the despondence of a twenty-year-old. So, is it for adults? Or maybe early adults?

I suspect that most older adults might be put off by this book.

But in reality, it doesn't truly matter. I am 28 now. I first delved into this book when I was around 21 or 22. And yet, I still hold a great affection for this book.

I truly relished reading this book.

It is astonishingly profound, and I firmly believe that I will embark on a second reading to ensure that I have indeed grasped the intended message.

Thanks to you, Le Guin.

Your literary prowess has crafted a work that not only engages the mind but also touches the soul.

The story weaves a tapestry of ideas and emotions that leave a lasting impression.

With each turn of the page, I found myself drawn deeper into the narrative, eager to discover what lay ahead.

This book is not just a collection of words; it is a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to experience it, and I look forward to many more readings in the future.

Le Guin, your work will continue to inspire and influence generations to come.