Alien conquerors or an illusion? Secrets revealed in 'City of Illusions' by Ursula K. Le Guin

[@LiminalSpaces03]

Another Ursula K. Le Guin to add to my TBR list! great video, as always!

[@paulcooper3611]

I read the early Le Guin novels out of order. I was impressed by 'City of Illusions' and carried memories of things I didn't understand with me. Then, when I read 'Planet of Exile', a light dawned on me and I realized 'That's what she meant!' So, yeah, you can read the books out of order but those two books do tie together a little bit.

[@vintagesf]

Wasn't expecting the tie in but as I said in the video, the amazing second half of this novel was even better for having read 'Planet of Exile'.

[@alaingay]

hi, thanks for the video. Currently reading it and I do share your comments and perspective. For me the beauty, so to speak, of this unique universe is that it was never meant to be united in terms of narrative. I never hear words like canon or any of this stuff because she made it open. Each story on it's own but with the same frame of reference which is this universe. It will bear a special place in my heart. It is also, for me, a testimony that this is literature. Putting things into boxes of this is SciFi, or Crime, or any oher box is non sense. This is just good stories that carries you, makes you think, changes your mind from the daily routines of business. Thanks again

[@vintagesf]

@@alaingay I am in agreement with your insightful, engaging comment! Le Guin wrote stories which didn’t have to be seen as part of a series. They stand on their own. I even found that to be true with ‘The Tombs of Atuan’. Haven’t read further in the Earthsea series but I suspect the rest will be able to stand alone although knowing the whole story will enrich the experience.

[@GrammaticusBooks]

More good stuff Vintage. This sounds like a good place for me to start giving Le Guin a second read!

[@vintagesf]

I would advise reading 'Planet of Exile' before reading 'City of Illusions' for a richer understanding of the Hainish universe.

[@GrammaticusBooks]

@@vintagesf Duly noted sir!

[@StevenEverett7]

Although I have read Le Guin years ago, I remember nothing about any of the stories. However, you make me curious and perhaps I'll try some of her stories again at some point. I just made a point of writing her name on my note pad to remind myself!

[@vintagesf]

Just finished reading 'The Lathe of Heaven'. Review in a couple of weeks. I'm going to return to Earthsea for a couple of books and then 'The Dispossessed'.

[@bartsbookspace]

9 out of 10. wow. I'll have to read City of Illusions. I was going to do so anyway, but now I'll make it a priority. I read The Dispossessed years ago and don't remember much of it; I'm alsonplanning on reading it soon. I hope you enjoy The Lathe of Heaven. It's one of my favorites of Le Guin's.

[@vintagesf]

Just finished a video on ‘The Lathe of Heaven’. You’ll see it in a couple of weeks. Teaser, I may not have enjoyed it as much as you did.

[@bartsbookspace]

@@vintagesf Interesting! 🤔 Now I’m even more curious to hear your take on it. Great reminder of how reading is such a subjective experience.

[@vilstef6988]

The SFBC version was a three book omnibus called Three Hainish Novels.

[@vintagesf]

Thank you for adding this omnibus title.

[@vilstef6988]

@vintagesf, The Internet Science Fiction Database is a great source for publications, serial pubs, chapbooks and more.

[@meesalikeu]

@@vilstef6988he uses that check out his video about he reviews books 🎉

[@calebcox4963]

I really like City of Illusions. Probably my second favorite Le Guin after the Word for World is Forest. I found the Shing very interesting, and enjoyed the ambiguity about their nature. My favorite part of the book was the big decision protagonist has to make near the end, which raises lots of interesting questions about identity. I had mixed feelings of the results of his choice. I’ll discuss that below to try to avoid spoiling it for others.

[@calebcox4963]

When the protagonist chooses to sacrifice his current identity to restore his previous memories, I found the choice fascinating. The stakes are huge, as either way he has to sacrifice a version of himself. I felt a bit cheated when he almost immediately finds a way to restore his other self so that both sets of memories persist, so the sacrifice he made feels less meaningful. However, I liked how the dual selves played out after this point to resolve the larger plot, so my feelings on this point are very mixed. Still, overall really enjoyed the book.

[@vintagesf]

@@calebcox4963 I can see your point. He avoided the consequences set up by Le Guin.

[@meesalikeu]

ive read lathe and recently finally bought left hand its on deck after i finish way station by simak.

[@vintagesf]

Some great books. Enjoy!