Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not quite perfect but nonetheless quite fascinating, December 30, 2010
When Rocannon travelled to Fomalhaut II for an ethnographic study of the natives, he expected it to be a routine scientific expedition. However, when his starship and companions are vaporized in a sneak attack, he quickly realizes that the planet is home to a secret base of rebels against the League of All Worlds. Now, Rocannon must travel across the world to find the base and stop the rebels. Along the path, he will learn a lot about Fomalhaut II and its peoples...and himself. This was actually the first novel that author Ursula K. Le Guin published, and it does show. In her introduction to the 1977 edition of the book, she correctly points out that too many features of the story are poorly constructed - such as Rocannon's omnipotent but invisible impermasuit. But, nonetheless, it is a very good story, and an interesting mix of the science fiction and fantasy genres. Indeed, the first chapter, Semley's Necklace, is a fascinating story unto itself, showing how advanced science can create folklore. So, let me just say that this is a very good story, not quite perfect, but nonetheless quite fascinating. I am very glad that I read it and think that you will be too.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Enjoyable tale, piqued my interest in reading more of the authors books, April 9, 2009
This is the first time I've read a book by Ursula K. Le Guin, and this happens to be the first book she wrote. Apparently she went on to have a very good career as a science fiction writer. This short novel was enough to interest me in reading more of her work. The novel felt like a combination of fantasy and science fiction. The characters and situations were interesting, but not developed too deeply. This is what I expected of such a short novel. From the perspective of the variety of unique characters and the type of mission to save the world, I was reminded of an Egdar Rice Burroughs novel, only without so much violence and nudity. In contrast the main character was a more mature individual who accomplished his tasks with patience and brains, not brawn. Overall I found the book to be worth my time. It was not great literature, but a good entertaining read. A comment on the audio book version narrated by Stefan Rudnicki; I would not recommend it due to some editing problems. There were at least two places where multiple paragraphs were repeated. Very annoying.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A master at work, May 3, 2011
This review is from: Rocannons World (Paperback)
Ursula Le Guin is one of the few writers who can write a 120 page novel and make it seem epic. Her work is wide and dense at the same time. I didn't realize this was her first novel when I picked it up, so I look forward to reading more from her. She has a way of conveying information about worlds and cultures with a few masterful words. Never overwriting. One of my favourite descriptions was in the prologue when Semley, a beautiful yet primitive inhabitant from her planet, flies on a spaceship. She doesn't even know what one is, so the journey is described as one would describe it from that innocence. It took me longer than it should have to read this book because I kept stopping to reread sentences, in awe of her wordsmithing, some of it pure poetry. "The dancers broke apart, their shadows running quickly up the walls, the loosened hair of one swinging bright for a moment. The dance that had no music was ended, the dancers that had no more name than light and shadow were still." The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because there were too many instances when the protagonist was aided too easily, got out of situations due to happenstance and others' assistance (too much deus ex machina). I wanted him to be less passive and the only instances of that are when he decides to set off on the journey, and at the end when he gets to the enemy's base. But still, the only reason he could be at the base at all was due to an alien's "gift" to him, not something he figured out on his own. I know she writes "everyman" heroes, regular people who are drawn into extraordinary circumstances. Even so, I wanted more from him. I did like that the hero is an ethnologist, not a warrior, and therefor fascinated by unfamiliar species and compassionate as well. Other than that, it is pure brilliance and quite profound. I'm not a sci-fi purist, so the fact that the story is woven with fantasy elements didn't bother me as it does some readers.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
