This excellent diverse anthology includes essays and short stories from the author of speculative fiction including The Wizard of Earthsea and The Left Hand of Darkness.
I was delighted to find that it included my favourite short story of all time, Sur, in which a group of women set out to reach the south pole in the early 20th century, avoiding making a big deal of it (especially to any men). Sur is funny, smart, and transports you to a land of ice and snow. Perfect!
It has a great opening: “Although I have no intention of publishing this report, I think it would be nice if a grandchild of mine, or somebody’s grandchild, happened to find it some day; so I shall keep it in the leather trunk in the attic, along with Rosita’s christening dress and Juanito’s silver rattle and my wedding shoes and finneskos”.
Le Guin offers wise words on subjects from capitalism to the menopause. Her essays are perfect examples of the form.
Thoughtful, helpful, and beautifully written. A complete treat.
Leave a Reply