Gifts

By Ursula LeGuin

The best fantasy stories can be enjoyed, not only for their own merits, but as metaphors for reality. In that sense, Gifts is a superior piece of work. Orrec and Gry live in a world in which the inhabitants possess certain powers or "gifts." Through the course of this haunting story, they gradually learn to accept these powers and the responsibilities that come with them. The story is an allegory for growing up, beautifully realized. LeGuin does a superlative job describing Orrec and Gry's day-to-day existence and the workings of the society in which they live. Only the characterizations, which are somewhat sketchy, keep this from getting the highest rating.

-Mr. Nutt

G.A.T.E.