Kelson Reads reviewed The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin
The Lathe of Heaven is a 1971 science fiction novel by American writer Ursula K. …
Think of it as an iterated monkey's paw wish.
5 stars
The Lathe of Heaven takes us through multiple possible versions of Portland as George Orr, a man whose dreams can change reality, is directed by his therapist to solve the world's problems.
It doesn't go very well.
- George has no control over how his dreams accomplish the specific change.
- Everything is connected. Pull one strand and another comes along with it.
- It's all tied to Dr. Haber's idea of which problems to tackle, what solutions are acceptable...and which people are expendable.
But while the stakes are global, the story stays laser-focused on three people: George Orr himself, increasingly desperate to take control of his life and his dreams. Dr. Haber, who keeps pushing for more control over the world. And Heather Lelache, a biracial lawyer who becomes aware of some of the changes to reality, but faces more drastic changes than either of the two men at the center of …
The Lathe of Heaven takes us through multiple possible versions of Portland as George Orr, a man whose dreams can change reality, is directed by his therapist to solve the world's problems.
It doesn't go very well.
- George has no control over how his dreams accomplish the specific change.
- Everything is connected. Pull one strand and another comes along with it.
- It's all tied to Dr. Haber's idea of which problems to tackle, what solutions are acceptable...and which people are expendable.
But while the stakes are global, the story stays laser-focused on three people: George Orr himself, increasingly desperate to take control of his life and his dreams. Dr. Haber, who keeps pushing for more control over the world. And Heather Lelache, a biracial lawyer who becomes aware of some of the changes to reality, but faces more drastic changes than either of the two men at the center of the maelstrom.