Changes

Still, despite that there remain plusses that do make the book worth a quick look – and it's not hugely long by many genre standards. The whole world of the indigenous peoples comes across very nicely, through both ends of the lens shone on it. There's the whole character of the main human, Davidson – even if, like me, you hold no truck with the idea women should not be expected to write great male characters and vice versa, this is a fine creation. And the plot isn't as one-note or formulaic as things would have you suggest. In the end, though, for me, the book was proselytising too much – too clearly written for conveying a political point – to be completely entertaining.

We think [[The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K Le Guin]] is a much more successful visit to this universe. Any other fans wishing to catch-up with the whole genre should examine [[What Makes This Book So Great: Re-Reading The Classics Of Science Fiction And Fantasy by Jo Walton]]. You might also enjoy [[Bill, the Galactic Hero by Harry Harrison]].