Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this sequel to Le Guin's Gifts contains more mature content than its predecessor and may be too much for some kids. Violence, descriptions of the effects of torture, and matter-of-fact mentions of rape are scattered throughout the book, although never gratuitously. For those kids old enough for its mature themes, the book is a capable exploration of violence, culture clashes, and seeing the enemy from the other side.
Families can talk about how the people of Ansul respond to their violent occupiers, the Alds. How are they able to maintain their values in the face of such opposition? Why is it important that they do so? Why does the Waylord want the heroine, Memer, to see the humanity in the Alds?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Dawn Friedman
Le Guin's second book in the Annals of the Western Shore series maintains her signature lyricism, but the melancholy of the first book, Gifts is replaced by sometimes-shocking scenes of the aftermath of cruelty.
The people of Ansul are peaceful and book-loving, but their country has been occupied by the violent, superstitious Alds. The Alds rape women, burn books, and torture those whom they believe worship Orbatth, enemy to their god.
VOICES takes place after the occupation and is told from the perspective of Memer, a young woman living in the home of the Waylord, who was once the leader of Ansul.
This is not a fast-moving novel; Le Guin concerns herself more with the inner struggle of the conflicted heroine than with the intricacies of the rebellion. The result is a rich but challenging exploration of violence, justice, faith, and honor.
For some young adult readers, the book will be too slow to capture their interest. Others will be upset by the description of the torments of the Ansul people, including the torture that crippled the Waylord, Memer's caregiver.
Readers don't need to have read Gifts, but those who have will be happy to reacquaint themselves with Orrec and Gry, who arrive early in the book.
From The Book
After a year had passed the Waylord was released from the Gand's prison. The Alds put him out into the street naked. He could not walk, because their torture had broken his legs. He tried to crawl down Galva Street from the Council House to Galvamand. People of the city helped him, carried him here, carried him home. And there were people of his household to care for him.
Plot Summary:
The Ansuls, a peaceful people who venerate wisdom, are living under occupation of the warrior Alds. Memer, conceived when her mother was raped by an Ald soldier, vows to avenge her mother and her people. But when a gifted poet named Orrec and his wife Gry arrive, she begins to see her country's plight with new understanding.
Related Books:
Other Fantasy Series for Young Adults
The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper
The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J. Tolkien
The Wrinkle in Time series by Madeleine L'Engle
The Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander
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Sexual ContentA character hears rumors about priestesses who have sex with any man who enters the temple. |
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ViolenceWhile the violence (including rape) isn't shown, the detailed (and often gruesome) aftermath is. |
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Social BehaviorThe occupying enemy sees women as less than human. |
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