Book 99 - Ursula K. Le Guin "The Lathe Of Heaven"

[jazzy_dave]

Ursula K. Le Guin "The Lathe Of Heaven" (Gollancz SF Masterworks)




George Orr is referred to a psychologist named Doctor Haber, having been found to consume prescription drugs to deprive himself of deep sleep. George Orr's reasons for this is that he believes that his dreams can influence the past, changing reality to conform to his dreams. Haber, initially sceptical, tests Orr's claims and finds that this is actually the case. What follows is Haber's earnest attempts to use Orr's dreaming to change the world for the better, with quite mixed results.

There's quite a lot that I like about this story. LeGuin does an excellent job of sketching the multiple realities that Orr manages to conjure up, and the changes in personality for the two supporting characters, quickly, efficiently, and without LeGuin lecturing to her readers. There are a lot of ideas here to mull over, from how dreams work to the vast differences in Haber's and Orr's views of how they should fit into the world - Haber desires to shape the world to how he sees it should be, while Orr merely seeks to exist within the world, changing it only when required.

I also enjoyed how LeGuin managed to keep Haber, the psychologist, as a realistic character, and not simply paint him as a caricatured villain. Haber, although intoxicated with the power he wields through Orr, is a character motivated to do good, even though his results are not always overly beneficial.

Original, thoughtful, and well-written with realistic characters and settings. Highly recommended

Comments

[thewayne]

Such a fantastic book. I remember seeing a movie adaptation back in the '80s(?) on PBS, and it was a great adaptation!