Gifts

Summary

In this Nebula Award-winning novel, the third in the Annals of the Western Shore trilogy, Ursula K. Le Guinwrites of the proud cruelty of power, of how hard it is to grow up, and of how much harder still it is to find, in theworld's darkness, gifts of light.Young Gav can remember the page of a book after seeing it once, and, inexplicably, he sometimes “remembers”things that are going to happen in the future.As a loyal slave, he must keep these powers secret, but when a terrible tragedy occurs, Gav, blinded by grief,flees the only world he has ever known. And in what becomes a treacherous journey for freedom, Gav’s greatesttest of all is facing his powers so that he can come to understand himself and finally find a true home.“Powers is rich with action, with battles, escapes, strategy, and skulduggery, but it has a still, quiet place at itsheart, a place of moral complexity.” —Sarah Ellis, The Globe and Mail“In her facility in world-making and her interest in human nature, Le Guin stands above almost all of what's outthere. Her exploration of identity and power, of social structures and the meaning of freedom, can only enrichher readers. Gav's vulnerability and his slow recognition of his real gifts make him both familiar and admirable,like any child who struggles to know one's strengths and place in the world. This is a good, long trek of afantasy.” —Deirdre Baker, Toronto Star“With compelling themes about the soul-crushing effects of slavery, and a journey plotline that showcases LeGuin's gift for creating a convincing array of cultures, this follow-up to Gifts and Voices may be the series' bestinstallment." —Jennifer Mattson, BooklistThe Annals of the Western Shore Trilogy includes:GiftsVoicesPowers