The Lathe of Heaven | ||||||||
Ursula K. Le Guin | ||||||||
Gollancz, 184 pages | ||||||||
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A review by Sam Ashurst
His therapist, Dr William Haber, is initially sceptical. But when Haber discovers that George is telling the truth, he decides to use
Orr's powers to try and change the world for the better...
There's a great tradition in SF for the 'what if...'
story, in movies, TV and fiction. The most famous is probably The Man in the High Castle, but in my opinion The Lathe of Heaven is up
there with Philip K. Dick's classic.
Whereas most 'what if' books are happy to focus on one alternative reality, Ursula K. Le Guin manages to create several richly painted other-worlds,
and explores fully the consequences of each.
This leads to many nice touches, such as the fact that George retains a memory of each of these worlds, whereas everyone else on the planet
simply has their memories replaced by the latest change.
The Lathe of Heaven has only three main characters -- but what characters. George Orr is possibly the most sympathetic hero I've ever
read. Despite being almost otherworldly at times, it's always easy to identify with him, and like him. As for Dr William Haber, the bad
guy of the story, in another book he might well be the hero. In fact, if the story was told from his perspective, he probably would be. And
that's just one of the things that makes this book truly great. Haber is no cackling villain, he genuinely wants to do the right
thing (even if the right thing is a little selfish sometimes) -- yet you never once side with him.
You are with Orr from the beginning to the bitter end, and if you reach the book's climax without truly hating Haber, then you're a
stronger person than I am.
The last character at first feels like a bit player (albeit a well painted one), but it soon becomes clear that Heather Lalache has
a pivotal role to play.
The Lathe of Heaven is a psychological thriller in every sense of the term. The story can be enjoyed as a struggle between a man
and his therapist to 'make a breakthrough,' as a SF parable about the dangers of becoming a God, or simply as a page turner,
full of twists and shocks.
Whichever way you approach it, this book is wonderful.
Sensitive, moving and shocking -- and containing in George Orr one of SF's greatest characters, The Lathe of Heaven will stay in your
mind long after you've put it down. Sweet dreams.
Sam Ashurst is a reviewer for Comics International, and a SF addict. His favorite SF Masterworks include I am Legend and The Stars My Destination, and his biggest SF regret is that George Lucas didn't know when to stop. |
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