Le Guin balances the three narrative points of view masterfully; the reader swings from despairing to disgusted to heartbroken at the turn of a page. A brilliant read that offers commentary on nationalism, consumerism, and ecological irresponsibility. Le Guin isn't heavy-handed in her handling of these issues - just bleakly honest. (For those of you keeping score, Le Guin's story is indeed cast in the mold of Orson Scott Card's Speaker For The Dead. I would submit that the other has a stronger plot and more complex characters, but that this has much clearer narrative voice. Please do yourself the favor of reading both.)

I love the way she takes a previous story and integrates it into a great new fantasy/social dilemma. She is a genius at challenging ones beliefs and ideas while entertaining. Bravo.