Remembering Ursula K. Le Guin
Michael Chabon described Le Guin as "the greatest American writer of her generation". I would also say that she was the greatest science fiction and fantasy writer of her time. She wrote one of the greatest fantasies trilogies of all time (counting all six books in the trilogy), and three of the greatest science fiction novels. Plus many important short stories, including one that is a moral and political compass for many of us. Her work is remarkable for its variety, clarity of vision, depth of compassion, and beauty. It will be read and talked about for many generations.
Ursula's writing is still with us. As a person, she will be missed deeply. I had the chance to meet Ursula briefly a few times, and to see her speak. She was wonderfully warm, witty, and full of enthusiasm. I remember a panel on her work where she sneaked into the back of the room and ducked down behind a row of chairs so she could hear what they were saying about her without being intimidated by her presence. At a presentation of three papers on her work, she sat up straight in the small audience. In response to one paper, she said "I never thought of that, but yes, that makes a lot of sense." Another paper criticized the politics of her work. It was completely unfair and unreasonable, but Ursula sat calmly through the whole thing. When Ursula was named a Grand Master, her good friend Vonda McIntyre organized a party at a Potlatch in Seattle. We were each given a cardboard mask with Ursula's face printed on it. When Ursula came up to receive her award and to say a few words, she was greeted by a crowd of Ursulas. There was much laughter, and cake. I still have the mask, so this is another way I feel Ursula is still with us and looking out for us.
This entry was originally posted at https://voidampersand.dreamwidth.org/29990.html.
Ursula's writing is still with us. As a person, she will be missed deeply. I had the chance to meet Ursula briefly a few times, and to see her speak. She was wonderfully warm, witty, and full of enthusiasm. I remember a panel on her work where she sneaked into the back of the room and ducked down behind a row of chairs so she could hear what they were saying about her without being intimidated by her presence. At a presentation of three papers on her work, she sat up straight in the small audience. In response to one paper, she said "I never thought of that, but yes, that makes a lot of sense." Another paper criticized the politics of her work. It was completely unfair and unreasonable, but Ursula sat calmly through the whole thing. When Ursula was named a Grand Master, her good friend Vonda McIntyre organized a party at a Potlatch in Seattle. We were each given a cardboard mask with Ursula's face printed on it. When Ursula came up to receive her award and to say a few words, she was greeted by a crowd of Ursulas. There was much laughter, and cake. I still have the mask, so this is another way I feel Ursula is still with us and looking out for us.
This entry was originally posted at https://voidampersand.dreamwidth.org/29990.html.