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.

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.

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.

Mysterious / Contemplative / Fantastical / Melancholic / Unnerving

Ursula K. Le Guin

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Lathe Of Heaven reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Lathe Of Heaven | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Lathe Of Heaven and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Lathe Of Heaven Summary

Background

The Lathe Of Heaven Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

The Lathe Of Heaven Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

The Lathe Of Heaven Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

The Lathe Of Heaven Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-11

The Lathe Of Heaven Chapters 10-11 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Lathe Of Heaven Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Lathe Of Heaven Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Lathe Of Heaven Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Lathe Of Heaven Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Lathe Of Heaven Essay Topics

The Lathe Of Heaven

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Lathe Of Heaven?

Reading Age

Book Details