About this ebook
This science fiction classic by the Hugo and Nebula Award-winning author is "a rare and powerful synthesis of poetry and science, reason and emotion" (The New York Times).
In a near-future world beset by war, climate change, and overpopulation, Portland resident George Orr discovers that his dreams have the power to alter reality. Upon waking, the world he knew has become a strange, barely recognizable place, where only George has a clear memory of how it was before. Seeking escape from these “effective dreams,” George eventually turns to behavioral psychologist Dr. William Haber for a cure. But Haber has other ideas in mind.
Seeing the profound power of George’s dreams, Haber believes it must be harnessed for the greater good—no matter the cost. Soon, George is a pawn in Haber’s dangerous game, where the fate of humanity grows more imperiled with every waking hour.
As relevant today as it was when it won the Locus Award in 1971, The Lathe of Heaven is a true classic, at once eerie and prescient, entertaining and intelligent. In short, it does “what science fiction is supposed to do" (Newsweek).
"When I read The Lathe of Heaven as a young man, my mind was boggled; now when I read it…it breaks my heart. Only a great work of literature can bridge - so thrillingly - that impossible span."—Michael Chabon
In a near-future world beset by war, climate change, and overpopulation, Portland resident George Orr discovers that his dreams have the power to alter reality. Upon waking, the world he knew has become a strange, barely recognizable place, where only George has a clear memory of how it was before. Seeking escape from these “effective dreams,” George eventually turns to behavioral psychologist Dr. William Haber for a cure. But Haber has other ideas in mind.
Seeing the profound power of George’s dreams, Haber believes it must be harnessed for the greater good—no matter the cost. Soon, George is a pawn in Haber’s dangerous game, where the fate of humanity grows more imperiled with every waking hour.
As relevant today as it was when it won the Locus Award in 1971, The Lathe of Heaven is a true classic, at once eerie and prescient, entertaining and intelligent. In short, it does “what science fiction is supposed to do" (Newsweek).
"When I read The Lathe of Heaven as a young man, my mind was boggled; now when I read it…it breaks my heart. Only a great work of literature can bridge - so thrillingly - that impossible span."—Michael Chabon
Ratings and reviews
4.5
105 reviews
Jeff Bingham
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September 13, 2015
Cool setup, but rather limp in terms of plot and characters. Despite the infinite power the characters could wield, neither their personalities or their world was very captivating. My expectation was a story with tension and a unique image filled world; I got an "average" protagonist, a world filled with grey people, and thinly veiled social commentary from several decades past.
Blake Abel
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January 21, 2016
Really loved the way it was written. If anthing, I wish the ending was more drawn out so I could see more effects of his dreams, more playing with his ability, but I think I understand why that couldn't happen, anyway ;). One of my favorites, and it gets SO TRIPPY
Nelson Robison
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August 18, 2017
This is a tour de force by Ms. Leguin. I for one enjoyed the plot and Ms. LeGuin's ability to be descriptive in her prose. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the movie screenplay. I heartily recommend this book as a must read and a part of anyone's library for the future.
1 person found this review helpful
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