Rocannon, an ethnologist, finds himself trapped on a world in which the people are about as advanced as the Bronze Age when enemies from Faraday destroy his ship and kill his teammates. The world is at least eight years away from his own people so Rocannon does the only thing he can do: he tries to sneak on to the enemy ship to send a message through their ansible, a machine that allows instantaneous messages rather than the normal eight years there and eight years back. With the help of a few friends on the planet, he begins his journey.

This wasn't my favorite LeGuin, but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it. It was her first book though, and you could tell. It didn't have much of thought provoking themes one finds in The Dispossessed or The Word for World is Forest. Rather, it's just plain fun to read! It's a fantasy/science fiction adventure in which we see someone from a very advanced culture interacting and integrating in the culture of much more primitive people. Rocannon has an impermasuit that keeps him safe from the elements, but the people of the world mistake it as a form of magic and because of this, Rocannon is revered almost like a god.

Though be warned, if you should choose to read this book, the ending is tragic. I can't say much without giving away major spoilers, but I put the book down with a lump in my throat. I still recommend this book, though, if for nothing else than to experience an extremely well done meshing of science fiction and fantasy but moreso because Rocannon is an amazing, noble character with great strengths and his story is one that is worth telling. ( )

This is an odd little book, but I liked it. While clearly set in a science fiction setting (Le Guin's Hainish universe), complete with aliens, interstellar war, ansibles, time dilation, etc., it reads much more like high fantasy, complete with elves, dwarves, jewels, and a dark quest undertaken with slim chances of success. Don't expect a particularly believable ecosystem or much depth of characterization, but if you're in the mood for an entertaining quick read, give it a try. ( )

An early novel in the Hainish cycle, Rocannon's World is a small story set on Fomalhaut II, inhabited by few different alien species. Rocannon is a researcher examining the world and its population for the League of Worlds, when rebel forces destroy his ship and kill all of his companions. Rocannon is stranded on the world with no way to contact friends.

Fortunately he has friends on the planet. Armed with their bronze age technology, friendship and courage, Rocannon takes on the technologically advanced enemies. Sometimes technology just isn't the key! Le Guin paints an interesting world and tells a good story, even if it pales in comparison to her better-known Hainish novels.

(Original review at my review blog.) ( )

http://yet.org/2007/08/le_monde_de_ro... ( )

A woman leaves a low tech spaceship to go into space to reclaim some valuables, not understanding the whole time dilation thing.

When she gets back, old age has done in the relatives. She meets a man named Rocannon, a human, and this odd planet with different races erupts into conflict.

They, of course, decide they like each other.

http://notfreesf.blogspot.com/2007/03... ( )