The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula K. Le Guin (4/5)

The growth from naivety is something anyone can benefit from, instead of living in some fantasy one can break free from a cloak of darkness and see things for what they really are. This book encapsulates such an idea, speaking from the point of view of the young high priestess Tenar, reincarnated over and over to protect something that even she doesn’t understand. Despite being a sequel to the previous installation in the Earthsea universe, one doesn’t stumble upon the past until much later on within the novel with LeGuin instead opting for world building of the mystery of Atuan and the role of Tenar. This book touches upon a place that isn’t meant to be explored by any heroes, holding a tomb hidden, holding whatever the supposed dark ones wish to hide. The Tombs of Atuan explores the life of Tenar who is forced to lurk about in naivety, protecting the tombs of the nameless ones, only to slowly discover what she has protected for thousands of years isn’t truly what it is supposed to be.

I did enjoy this book for its fantasy setting and despite being a slower paced novel, LeGuin is able to encapsulate the character and world building with great depth and imagery allowing one to still keep it interesting and continue to turn the pages. This book possesses darker themes compared to its previous installment and despite not having a huge battle with a greater evil, the book is still able to make the antagonist a palpable foe. Its overall focus on freedom and slavery helps to showcase the different perspectives of the captor and captive along with the fact that these labels don’t always apply in some contexts.

Overall this book is a good one that better explores themes of society along with hints of gender roles but also being able to contain it within a fantasy setting. Its connection to the previous installation in the series is seen with the reintroduction of the previous main character along with the repetition of a coming-of-age story and the emotional message that comes with coming out of naivety and immaturity.