Who wrote this book and when?
Ursula K. LeGuin published this in 1990.
Has there been a film version?
No.
Who are the main characters?
Tenar – the girl from “Tombs of Atuan,” now married, widowed and a mother
Therru – a young girl adopted by Tenar, she was sexually and physically abused
Ged – a former Mage, his power is all gone
Moss – a village witch
What’s it about?
This is the story of what has happened to the major characters from the previous three Earthsea books. Tenar is a widow with two grown children and an adopted daughter who has been horrifically scarred by her parents who threw her in a fire. Ged is now without any magic powers, having sacrificed them in the previous book. Together, they try and find their places in the world as old and tired heroes, as well as Therru’s place (the little girl). Therru is not what she seems to be and Tenar and Ged still have many enemies.
Why is this book a classic/bestseller?
It’s part of the Earthsea series, which is a bestselling, award winning fantasy series.
Do I recommend you read this book?
It’s not quite as good as the previous three, but it’s still satisfying.
How did this book make my list?
I wanted to read the Earthsea series.
Has it won any awards?
Yes, the Nebula Award in 1990.
Favorite quotes:
“Like the swallows, the ships began to fly among the islands with the return of spring.” – p 202
Anything else?
LeGuin has said she was premature in calling this the “last book of Earthse.” She ended up writing two more about the Earthsea universe. Based on what I’ve heard about her…she strikes me as kind of a grumpy person.
Personal thoughts:
This book wasn’t very interesting to me. It was mostly philosophical (and you all know how well I do with that sort of stuff…). It examined the roles of females in the Earthsea society and questioned why they aren’t allowed to be mages. It also showed the extreme prejudice against those women who chose to be different. I felt the whole time that the book hadn’t started yet…like I was waiting for the action to get going. Very…bleh.
Wannabe Inkling 