City of Illusions by Ursula K. Le Guin

City of Illusions (Hainish Cycle, #3) (The Hainish novels) (Modern Women Writers S.)

by Ursula K. Le Guin

Each volume in the "Modern Women Writers" series offers a complete fictional work by a contemporary female writer, which reflects a different culture and set of experiences. The books contain extensive study material and assignments at a range of levels for GCSE English and English literature courses. In addition to pre-reading activities and notes, the novels contain a reading log with ideas for group and individual assignments to help pupils comprehend the text. This is the story of a journey of discovery - a story full of riddles, allegories and echoes of ancient cultures; of Utopia, a fantastic city. It is a story of the discovery of many alien cultures in a "far-future Earth", of identity and self-knowledge by Falk, the central character, and of what is essentially human and civilizing in us all. The text is also suitable for adult students taking English examinations and for overseas students.

Reviewed by teachergorman on

5 of 5 stars

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This book is so carefully conceived that it plays with the reader's mind just enough to help you empathize with the protagonist but not so much that you’re annoyed by the confusion. I came away looking at my own world differently, just a little bit more carefully, trying to see through many of the layers of illusion in our world. This one will stick with me.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 16 June, 2017: Finished reading
  • 16 June, 2017: Reviewed