I may be the only one who thinks this so I hope I don’t offend anyone by saying, finally this book got a little bit interesting. Before these last few chapters, I was struggling to read it because nothing was sparking my attention until recently. Le Guin gave us, I felt, too much background. She let the story drag out before really getting to the point. Once she did though, she put a nice twist to the story.
When Genly Ai got arrested, it took me by surprise, I was not expecting that. I just assumed the story would go on how it was and he would persuade Orgoreyn to join the Ekumen and then Karhide would follow. Oh boy, was I terribly wrong!
Let me add, that I love how Estraven had this plan to get into the jail and then to kidnap Genly and escape. This seen reminded me of other stories where a big strong man saves the damsel in distress. It brought out the prince charming, warrior type character in Estraven. If you think about it, it seems a little odd to have a character take on a role that is typically associated with a man, considering that Estraven has no gender. Or I may have just interpreted this seen wrong. What are your thoughts and feelings on this particular seen?
I totally get what you mean when you say it took you by surprise when Genly Ai got arrested... It just caught me off guard but is a very cool part in the story. I thought the detail of his kidnapping was very descriptive and suspenseful. I really am enjoying this part of the story the most. I like the character relationship/friend/alien buddy...:) that is going on in this part of the book. Almost a friendship, since Estraven is taking care of and looking out for Genly Ai. I am looking forward to seeing how the journey ends up for the both of them... I wonder what they are gonna come across, if anything, or will they even make it Karhide? (probably though) But they could end up running out of food or get caught by authorities. I agree with you about those scenes in the book with Estraven. If they don't have a gender then why do they always say him?? Or take on the roles of man. Did I interpret this wrong as well?
ReplyDelete