Scan barcode
yeehaw_agenda's review against another edition
4.0
As she always does, Le Guin shows us that, yes, we can create a better world. I only wish this book had been longer, to further explore the muddy waters and contradictions and humanity she explores in so much of her work.
kenngran's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
gordonfreeman904's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
madfil's review against another edition
2.0
(19 March, 2023)
Le Guin stories are grandiose and fascinating but the delivery of her thought-provoking ideas are often disappointing. '[b:The Left Hand of Darkness|18423|The Left Hand of Darkness|Ursula K. Le Guin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1488213612l/18423._SY75_.jpg|817527]' and '[b:The Dispossessed|13651|The Dispossessed An Ambiguous Utopia|Ursula K. Le Guin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1353467455l/13651._SY75_.jpg|2684122]' are good but could have been great with different creative decisions, '[b:The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas|33385003|The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas|Ursula K. Le Guin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1567517115l/33385003._SY75_.jpg|89324]' is much better. 'The Eye Of The Heron', on the other hand, is a big, fat "Meh!".
Story-wise, straightforward and very, very simple: oppressed people want freedom from tyranny, overlords want to maintain the status quo. That's it! The concepts herein are somewhat progressive but marred by much prejudice and bias. Do the violent men - only men (sigh) - need to be stereotypical Latin Americans? Do their wives have to be meek to the point of irrelevance? Why state men murder because they are men? Is it necessary to portray the pacifists as naïve? And on and on and on.
In the end, there are just enough positives in this for a well-deserved 2 stars.
Le Guin stories are grandiose and fascinating but the delivery of her thought-provoking ideas are often disappointing. '[b:The Left Hand of Darkness|18423|The Left Hand of Darkness|Ursula K. Le Guin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1488213612l/18423._SY75_.jpg|817527]' and '[b:The Dispossessed|13651|The Dispossessed An Ambiguous Utopia|Ursula K. Le Guin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1353467455l/13651._SY75_.jpg|2684122]' are good but could have been great with different creative decisions, '[b:The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas|33385003|The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas|Ursula K. Le Guin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1567517115l/33385003._SY75_.jpg|89324]' is much better. 'The Eye Of The Heron', on the other hand, is a big, fat "Meh!".
Story-wise, straightforward and very, very simple: oppressed people want freedom from tyranny, overlords want to maintain the status quo. That's it! The concepts herein are somewhat progressive but marred by much prejudice and bias. Do the violent men - only men (sigh) - need to be stereotypical Latin Americans? Do their wives have to be meek to the point of irrelevance? Why state men murder because they are men? Is it necessary to portray the pacifists as naïve? And on and on and on.
In the end, there are just enough positives in this for a well-deserved 2 stars.
chelseareads's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
cjblandford's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Much like many of Ursula L Le Guin's other books, this is about the clash of civilizations and the clash of ideals. Who gets to hold power and wield it over others? Is force the only way to hold power or can it be held peacefully? It was an interesting little exploration on this topic.
padraigmm's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
wickedmitch's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
darianpage's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0