My Rating:
Plot Tease
George Orr is a man who discovers he has the peculiar ability to dream things into being - for better or for worse. In desperation, he consults a psychotherapist who promises to help him. It soon becomes clear that he has his own plans for George and his dreams.
Book Review
I really need to begin by explaining my review to you. The concept of this book is amazing and intriguing from start to finish. But Lathe of Heaven loses its gripping pace in the last half, and what was awesome becomes merely cool and just a little old.That said, you'll still zip through the book easily. Because the main character is a drug addict that can unravel worlds but has no control over his ability. Sounds crazy right?
George Orr is a unique take on the over-powered hero archetype. He has 'effective' dreams: what he imagines changes reality, but he has no control over when or how this happens. No one else in the world has memories of these past realities except for George. This first came about the day that George lay dying in a holocost that destroys the world in the early 2000's. Slipping out of consciousness from blood loss, he dreams... And wakes up in an entirely different life where there has been no war. The result? Earth is overcrowded and life is miserable for everyone. Is it better or not?
Maybe for everyone else, but as a character George is tormented by this. He is singlehandedly responsible for accidentally ending and changing the existence of millions - and nobody knows but him.
It's this conflict that creates a lot of interesting character development with George. His effective dreams have changed so much that he is afraid of even shutting his eyes. This book focuses on a character that has no trust in myself whatsoever, not to mention a good dose of self-loathing and misery. But he's got an edge that will keep you on your toes.
Over the course of the book, George definitely changes and grows. He becomes a man that - if still unsure of himself - has an insane amount of courage and will-power. For this review, he is definitely my favorite character. Le Guin is a master at creating out-of-the-box perspectives, and George is no exception.
Conversely, the Doctor is interesting at first, but as the book went on he became quite flat to me. Hyper intelligent and generally well-meaning, Haber sets out to genuinely help George. Le Guin's writing captures that feeling you get when someone seems great on the outside, but you can tell there is something seething beneath the surface. For Haber, that's definitely a little bit of insanity.
Like any sane person, Dr. Haber is initially skeptical of George's ability. But when he begins to experience conflicting memories, his acceptance of it opens up a whole new world. (Sorry for the pun, I had to.) As he becomes a megalomaniac, you're briefly fascinated and taken in.
Then it becomes cliche and boring. Really you'll just have to read it and decide for yourself, as I've heard other opinions. Personally, however, I did not enjoy Dr. Haber for the last half of the book. He smacks of Cookie Cutter Villain to me.
As far as love interests are concerned, there is one. Her name is Heather. I liked Heather less as a character and more as a force. Because reality shifts constantly in to book, so does everyone except George and Haber. She is a variety of 'characters' in my opinion. But she remains the force that motivates George to become a stronger man, and for that is very valuable.
Lathe of Heaven is a short book that won't take more than a day or two to read. Although the were some points I didn't enjoy, I still feel that it is worth the few hours' read. Le Guin has written yet another very unique scifi narrative that deserves a small place on the shelf.
What Do You Think?
Ever read a book where the characters couldn't control their abilities? What was it? Did you enjoy it?
What is the first thing you would change if you had Orr's power? Would it be a power you'd want to have?
Okay, so would it be morally right to do that? When is it okay to alter people's lives without their consent, even for the better?
What is the first thing you would change if you had Orr's power? Would it be a power you'd want to have?
Okay, so would it be morally right to do that? When is it okay to alter people's lives without their consent, even for the better?
"You have to help another person. But it's not right to play God with masses of people. To be God you have to know what you're doing. And to do any good at all, just believing you're right and your motives are good isn't enough." - Lathe of Heaven
Cost: New $10.20/Used $3.56 (Available on Kindle and Nook.)
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