Scan barcode
silvae's review against another edition
5.0
This short story collection was my first venture into the Hainish universe and I have to say, boy oh boy, what a solid collection it is. While most short story collections usually only have a few stand out stories, I can only think of 1-2 stories in this one that I did not care for all too much. The longer stories and novellas were very strong (which mirrors my experience I had with Tales from Earthsea, where I loved the novella and longer stories much more than the shorter ones) and I also loved that some stories crossreferenced each other. I do wish there had been a short glossary of terms that seasoned Hainish readers may not need, but newbies such as me could have used for a better understanding.
alphadesigner's review against another edition
4.0
A collection of stories full of brilliant ideas, some of which written with excessive complexity and occasionally—a very opaque style. Whether that can be viewed as a shortcoming or an achievement depends on the ability of the reader to focus, follow the rhythm, and grasp the concepts driving the storylines. I got lost several times, feeling like stranger who arrived too late to a party full of old friends. However, ultimately, this book is a delight.
sleepmotif's review against another edition
challenging
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? Yes
4.25
banditess's review against another edition
5.0
Completely, utterly worth it for the three amazing Hainish Cycle-based stories at the end. Weird, inscrutable physics and polyamory in time/space? Sign me up thrice.
hopecpressf's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
quoththegirl's review against another edition
4.0
Ursula K. LeGuin’s short stories, on the other hand, are always excellent. I snagged A Fisherman of the Inland Sea at the library, and it was a joy to immerse myself in each of LeGuin’s worlds. I’m pretty sure she creates a new universe every time she sneezes. Her world-building is unparalleled.
exterus's review against another edition
3.0
The first few novellas not quite up to le Guin's standards, or rather they are not lengthy enough to develop the story in the way I find to be the author's main strength. Towards the end the stories gather some continuity, culminating in the book's namesake story that is undoubtedly the best of the book. It may have been thoroughly enjoyable as a full-length novel, had it been extended, though it benefits from having read the previous novellas. All in all not bad with some very enjoyable moments, but I still find le Guin to be at her best with longer stories and more fully developed characters and worlds.
eemms's review against another edition
3.0
Up and down, as many short story collections can be. I really liked the conceit of The Scoby's Story.
valhecka's review against another edition
5.0
The introductory essay is worth just as much as the stories - a few short, sweet jokes, three heartbreakers, and a good amount of anthropology of fantastic communities, as Le Guin does so well.