Hello Fellow Journeyers,
Some books are nearly beyond reviewing because they sit so dear in your heart. They transcend reading and are simply an experience that you get lost in. A Wizard of Earthsea is one such book for me. Even though I missed this story as a young adult or child, I'm so glad to have experienced it as an adult.
This is one of those stories that you can read over and over again and it simply keeps on giving. It is simple and doesn't try to be more than it needs to be; because of this, it delves deep into the main character of Ged, his motivations, what he chooses to do, and, the best part, his mistakes. Which he makes a great many throughout the course of the story.
This may have been the first story I read years ago now, that introduced me to a character that can make human mistakes, not always win, and still keep fighting. Ged is such a real character for making a huge mistake in his childhood and not overcoming it until he's an adult. It's like Le Guin literally wanted to take fantasy tropes and go, "Nope, pass." Yes, he accomplishes things, great and mighty, but that's not what the story is about.
It's about the little things, the areas where Ged can't get over his past. His past creeps up on him until he faces it head on. He's a damaged protagonist that needs help when he doesn't want it. Also, the worldbuilding is easy, but not simplistic. You simply just have to let the words craft a straightforward journey of a person growing up.
Le Guin doesn't simply tell a story, but guides your heart through a wonderfully plain land of wonder to tell you a deeply touching tale of a boy who loses his innocence by making a terrible mistake that affects his entire life. The story is not overly heroic, but he ends up confronting his demons. It is not epic, but he is courageous. The story is personal with real friendships and real problems.
★★★★★ 5 Stars - While the writing can deceive you into thinking it's boring, make no mistake, this is a wonderful book that requires a little patience. Le Guin writes beautiful passages of writing that is enthralling, it just requires you to engage in the reading instead of need to be spoon fed like many books nowadays. It's worth the intentionality. Definitely Essential Reading!
Let me hear from you! If you like what you read, want to hear more thoughts on this book, other reviews, or talk book recommendations and Essential Reading, leave a comment below.
Rating system:
★★★★★ 5 Stars: It was amazing; I loved it. Read this book; it is definitely Essential Reading!
★★★★★* 4.5 Stars: It was fantastic, I really loved almost every aspect of it.
★★★★ 4 Stars: It was very good and worth reading; highly recommend.
★★★★* 3.5 Stars: I enjoyed a lot of aspects of this story, but it was lacking in certain areas.
★★★ 3 Stars: It was good, but could've been better or improved upon significantly.
★★★* 2.5 Stars: I wanted to enjoy it. Certain aspects were good, it was worth finishing, but many issues.
★★ 2 Stars: It was okay, I didn't feel strongly about it.
★ 1 Star: I did not like it. It was not worth finishing or I did not finish it.
*I round up based on the system on Goodreads. Also, there is no 1.5 Stars because it does not seem to have enough differentiation.