47 pages • 1 hour read
Ursula K. Le GuinThe Lathe Of Heaven
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1971A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin follows George Orr, an ordinary man in 2002 Portland, Oregon, whose dreams can alter reality. Forced into psychiatric care for substance use disorder, George comes under the control of Dr. William Haber, who manipulates his dreams to reshape the world, leading to unintended and often disastrous consequences. George allies with attorney Heather LeLache to regain control over his dreams and life.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Reviews of Ursula K. Le Guin's The Lathe of Heaven praise its imaginative, thought-provoking narrative and rich exploration of reality and human nature. Critics laud Le Guin's masterful world-building and philosophical depth, though some find the pacing uneven or character development lacking. Overall, it remains a revered work in speculative fiction for its innovative concepts and storytelling.
Who Should Read The Lathe Of Heaven?
A reader who enjoys The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin likely has a keen interest in speculative fiction, exploring themes of reality and consciousness. Fans of Philip K. Dick's Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? and George Orwell's 1984 will find its melding of dystopian elements and metaphysical questions captivating.