Always Coming Home
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By: Ursula K. Le Guin, Todd Barton, Margaret Chodos-Irvine, George Hersh
"Spiraling outward from the dramatic life story of a woman called Stone Telling," this is an "interweaving of story and fable, poem, artwork and music ... [which tells of] the culture of the Kesh, a peaceful people of the far future who inhabit a place called the Valley on the Northern Pacific Coast."--Cover of U. of California Press pbk. ed.
AI Overview
Overview of "Always Coming Home" by Ursula K. Le Guin
Plot Summary: "Always Coming Home" is a novel that interweaves multiple narratives to create a rich tapestry of the Kesh culture. The story revolves around Stone Telling, a woman who lives in the Valley of the Na River. The narrative is not a single, linear story but rather a collection of texts that explore the complex and unfamiliar culture of the Kesh. The novel delves into the lives, customs, habits, literature, and culture of the Kesh, offering an anthropological perspective on their society.
The plot centers around Stone Telling's life and her relationships with her family and community. Her father, Abhao (also known as Kills), returns to the Valley after nine years, causing a dramatic effect on the household. Abhao's arrival is marked by disbelief and discord among the Kesh, who view war as a foolish and youthful pastime. Stone Telling is torn between acknowledging her Condor blood and finding it frightening and disgusting. As she gets to know her father, she comes to a greater understanding of her parents and her own identity.
Key Themes:
- Anthropological Interests: The novel underscores Le Guin's long-standing anthropological interests, particularly in Native American cultures. The Valley of the Na River is modeled on California's Napa Valley, reflecting Le Guin's childhood experiences.
- Critique of Contemporary Civilization: The Kesh call their society's problems "the Sickness of Man," which serves as a critique of contemporary civilization.
- Taoist Themes: The novel incorporates Taoist elements, such as the heyiya-if symbol, which resembles the taijitu, and its hollow center, likened to the hub of the wheel as described in the Tao Te Ching.
- Post-Apocalyptic Elements: The book is set in a post-apocalyptic society, where the Kesh live in a world that has been transformed by some cataclysmic event.
- Feminist and Indigenous Perspectives: The novel explores themes of identity, community, and the importance of cultural heritage, reflecting feminist and indigenous perspectives on society and culture.
Critical Reception:
- Awards and Recognition: The novel received the Janet Heidinger Kafka Prize and was a runner-up for the National Book Awards.
- Literary Significance: It has been noted for its rich and complex storytelling, weaving together multiple narratives to elucidate the Kesh culture. Samuel R. Delany described it as "a slow, rich read... [Le Guin's] most satisfying text among a set of texts that have provided much imaginative pleasure".
- Anthropological Depth: Dave Langford reviewed the book for White Dwarf #82, stating that it includes a critique of its own improbabilities (as seen through twentieth-century eyes) and highlights its rich strangenesses.
- Cultural Relevance: The novel has been praised for its deep insight into the human condition and its exploration of themes that are both universal and culturally specific. It has been compared to traditional Native California narratives and A. L. Kroeber's Handbook of the Indians of California.
Overall, "Always Coming Home" is a complex and thought-provoking novel that delves into the intricacies of a fictional culture, offering a rich tapestry of themes and narratives that reflect Le Guin's anthropological and literary interests.