As an infant, Tenar is singled out as the reincarnation of the Priestess Arha, the guardian of the Tombs of Atuan. Raised with full knowledge
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I also wasn't quite as engaged by this book, but I got more and more out of it when I reviewed it. Imagine that! I suspect that with each Earthsea book, I'll find myself enjoying the titles more upon re-read, like I did with the first. :)
Some books are like that. I think it's because the second time around, you have a better idea of what you're getting yourself into.
Nice review. I like how you commented about how having this female protagonist was pretty powerful for the 70s. It's interesting because I kept on forgetting how old these books are (it's not like 39 years is ancient, but you know what I mean). It's interesting to compare Tenar/Arha in 1971, to Robin McKinley's and Tamora Pierces more outwardly heroic protagonists published in the 80s. Although I found Tenar to be a really interesting lead, she's just not as assertive as Pierce's Alanna. I also found it interesting that this book won the Newbury Honor when it was published, as I don't think it was intended to be a kids book, despite it's young protagonist and short length.
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My review is here: http://calico-reaction.livejournal.com/172916.html
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Nice review. I like how you commented about how having this female protagonist was pretty powerful for the 70s. It's interesting because I kept on forgetting how old these books are (it's not like 39 years is ancient, but you know what I mean). It's interesting to compare Tenar/Arha in 1971, to Robin McKinley's and Tamora Pierces more outwardly heroic protagonists published in the 80s. Although I found Tenar to be a really interesting lead, she's just not as assertive as Pierce's Alanna. I also found it interesting that this book won the Newbury Honor when it was published, as I don't think it was intended to be a kids book, despite it's young protagonist and short length.
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