toxicbeachgoth's review against another edition
5.0
One of the greatest books I've ever read about the greatest empire that never was. Truly enjoyable and really hard to pin down, but very thought-provoking.
gettyhesse's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
tronella's review against another edition
4.0
A collection of short stories by Argentinian writer Angélica Gorodischer, translated into English by Ursula K LeGuin. The stories are all set in the same world, written as stories being told by storytellers about the history of a vast and ancient empire. It's fantasy-ish in tone, but there aren't many particularly fantastical elements. A lot of the stories are about various Emperors and Empresses and their lives, but my favourite was the history of a city, starting from its founding and covering its changing role within the empire (a stop on the way to a port, a spa town, a centre of religion, the capital city) over many generations. I enjoyed this collection a great deal.
paulasnotsosecretdiary's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I read this for my book group; it's one of those books I would have never discovered on my own, Nineteen stories about a nameless empire, and how it evolved. Featuring fantasy elements in some, and "historical" fiction in others, this book highlights the author's talent to switch between genres, voices, and styles. Although not all the stories are compelling, this is a fascinating addition to dystopian fiction in which every reader will find something to enjoy.
lolajoan's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful, charming, touching and visceral tales about a mythical land and its history. These stories are so full of heart and wisdom and wonder that it's a delight to read. Sometimes funny, sometimes gory, sometimes tragic, but all wonderful.
joa_price's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
2.0
lydia_altman's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
parlanterick's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
labalteira's review against another edition
5.0
La imaginación grandiosa e irreverente y la textura a la vez barroca y en la que nada sobra que se despliegan en Kalpa Imperial son de las que te dejan sin palabras.
Me queda, al margen, la curiosidad de qué habrá hecho Ursula LeGuin para traducir "La vieja ruta del incienso".
Me queda, al margen, la curiosidad de qué habrá hecho Ursula LeGuin para traducir "La vieja ruta del incienso".