I didn't enjoy it either. There's something about LeGuin's prose style that makes it difficult for me to parse and follow what is going on in the story. (I had the same problem with The Lathe of Heaven, but less trouble with the one or two Earthsea books I read.)
I only just read it recently, and found it a) nowhere near as good as Dispossessed, and b) full of some very obsolete thinking about sex/gender. I’ve slotted in my head as Work of Historical Note, which has different metrics of quality that Contemporary Literature.
It’s been a long time, but my recollection is that the story’s appeal hinges on the reader enjoying a particular type of narrative exploration of an evolving relationship. So if that’s not your cup of tea, there’s nothing you can really do to make yourself like it (though, knowing you, I expect you tried).
What happens if I say Blade Runner is ... problematic ... by embracing crappy masculinity?
Deckard, the murderer doesn't exactly give Rachael a choice.
Rachael, who is built to be the perfect daughter and companion for men.
Roy, the hero of the film, consistently casts himself as a victim, who leads him to doing terrible things like destroying his creator, while acknowledging it won't do any good.
Oh, Bladerunner is a mess of toxic masculinity. Some of it deliberately to analyze it. Some of it by accident because the folks making it weren't able to analyze themselves.
Not at all. But it is a shame.
ReplyDeleteI know a lot of people love it. I enjoy it, but it's not the best of her work.
ReplyDeleteI have not tried reading it yet. But as someone female-identified who loathes Jane Austen, I hear you.
ReplyDeleteI loathed it. But I probably am a bad person, so...
ReplyDeleteOf course not!
ReplyDeleteI didn't enjoy it either. There's something about LeGuin's prose style that makes it difficult for me to parse and follow what is going on in the story. (I had the same problem with The Lathe of Heaven, but less trouble with the one or two Earthsea books I read.)
ReplyDeleteMickey Schulz As someone female-identified who loathes Jane Austen
ReplyDeleteTHIS
I only just read it recently, and found it a) nowhere near as good as Dispossessed, and b) full of some very obsolete thinking about sex/gender. I’ve slotted in my head as Work of Historical Note, which has different metrics of quality that Contemporary Literature.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was great, and beautifully written.
ReplyDeleteEdit: but that does not affect your ironclad right not to enjoy something.
I thought it was ok, but it wasn't mind blowing or anything like I'd been lead to expect
ReplyDeleteIt’s been a long time, but my recollection is that the story’s appeal hinges on the reader enjoying a particular type of narrative exploration of an evolving relationship. So if that’s not your cup of tea, there’s nothing you can really do to make yourself like it (though, knowing you, I expect you tried).
ReplyDeleteYeah, I felt like it would have been hard and potentially mind shattering for 20 year old me. For 35 year old me, it was just hard and boring.
ReplyDeleteThis is not to speak ill of Ms Le Guin. I don't feel competent to do that.
So about 5 years ago I got Mo Jave to watch Bladerunner. It was the first time she'd seen it.
ReplyDeleteHer commentary:
"Well, that was... okay. I guess. If you're generous about history."
I did not -- against all sense and reason -- divorce her.
So, despite the horror of your confession here, I will retain you as a friend.
Brand Robins ::looks around::
ReplyDeleteWhat happens if I say Blade Runner is ... problematic ... by embracing crappy masculinity?
Deckard, the murderer doesn't exactly give Rachael a choice.
Rachael, who is built to be the perfect daughter and companion for men.
Roy, the hero of the film, consistently casts himself as a victim, who leads him to doing terrible things like destroying his creator, while acknowledging it won't do any good.
Oh, Bladerunner is a mess of toxic masculinity. Some of it deliberately to analyze it. Some of it by accident because the folks making it weren't able to analyze themselves.
ReplyDelete