(Hainish Cycle)
My Rating: 
Why? Le Guin writes brilliant science fiction books with amazing world building and character development. The Telling is no exception. The plight of the Akan people is extremely compelling. (Especially for us book lovers!)
Plot Tease
Once a culturally rich world, the planet Aka has been utterly transformed by technology. Records of the past have been destroyed, and citizens are strictly monitored. But an official observer from Earth will discover a group of outcasts who still practice its lost religion - The Telling. Intrigued by their beliefs, she joins them on a sacred pilgrimage into the mountains...and into the dangerous terrain of her own heart, mind, and soul.
Full Book Review
Let me just tell you straight off: Le Guin is the queen of character driven science fiction books. The amount of world building and details she puts in just to develop the character is crazy, and I love it. I'm sure you will too!
Aka has a really intriguing history—because when Sutty arrives, it is essentially a blank slate. While the galatic "ambassadors" from the Ekumen were studying old texts in preparation for the visit to Aka, the Akan government was destroying all records and wiping out their old culture. The world Sutty travels to has completely changed. Everything is mechanized and carefully controlled, and religion in any classical sense is illegal. So, what kind of characters survive in this setting?
It wouldn't be a proper book review unless we address the antagonist. Sutty is shadowed by a government agent named Yara. Initially, Yara is obnoxiously devoted to the new Akan system. He is overly stoic and judgmental. In a certain light, he almost draws your pity because of his blatant blindness. Definitely not the 'good' kind of pity though. Because he intrinsically opposes Sutty's purpose, Yara's character has the role of antagonist from the outset of the book.
As we fall in love with the small pockets of Akan people who still hold to The Telling, Yara begins to actively tear them apart. When Sutty draws closer to The Telling, Yara destroys it before she can fully grasp its concepts. Innocent, simple people lose their way of life because of this agent. What really gets me angry is that he never seems to care. He doesn't even see the injustice.
Book review confession time: I love the bad guys. They usually make it onto my favorite character lists. But I couldn't like Yara. Until the end.
After a winding, harrowing journey through mountains and over snow, the rising action of the book reaches its head. Yara gets into a violent confrontation with Sutty near a very revered Akan site, and is injured to the brink of death. In his final days, Sutty demands an explanation of Yara. Being a preservationist among other things, she simply cannot understand how he, as a logical and feeling human being, can follow the destructive directives of his government.
You GUYS. ALL THE FEELS. Yara tells her his story, and it basically ripped my heart out and plunged me into a well of feeling for the people of Aka. Both (parts of) the new and the old generations. If you love character development and angst storytelling, you have to read to the end of this book. It is so painfully good. Hate Yara, go ahead. He really deserves it. But give him a chance to explain himself at the end of this book. Le Guin really opens up the fact that there are always two sides to any story. And generally, when you have an understanding of both, it's gonna be painful. But in such a good way.
Sutty is far from my favorite fictional character. I was actually fairly annoyed with her most of the time. But I loved Aka and it's not-history so much I got over it. The one big flaw in this book is that it is not at all plot driven. There is next-to-no plot in this book. Settle in for a character and world development bonanza. While I am obviously okay with this (This is a book on character-driven fantasy, after all), I totally understand that a lot of people may not be. Therefore, you've been warned!
It's a very short read, however. I'd definitely recommend picking it up at your library and giving it a try.
Talk Back
How do you feel about science fiction books that aren't plot based? Is there a place for character study in modern fantasy fiction?
What would you do if all of our books were destroyed by the government? How would you feel?
Did the Ekumen have a responsibility to save old Akan literature and religion?
Do you like Sutty as a main character? Why or why not?
Did Yara's story win you over in the end, or did you still dislike him?
"Belief is the wound that knowledge heals." - The Telling
Cost: New $7.99/Used $0.81 (Available on Kindle and Nook.)
This book review is not sponsored in any way. All opinions are entirely my own.
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