Very unique book from Ursula K. Le Guin. Beautiful writing to be savored. The story here is set in an imaginary European country under Austrian control in the first half or the 19th century. While the country is imaginary, the novel is written as if it was real, with many references to contemporary events in other parts of Europe. Orsinia starts as a place filled with hope after the revolution in France, with eerie shadows of totalitarian regimes to come. Itale Sorde, the main character, is an idealistic young man that sets out into the world to write about freedom. The path his character goes through reminded me a lot of Pyotr from "War and Peace". While Itale is out and about, his sister Laura and his childhool friend Piera (who reminded me of Tenar from "Tehanu") stay behind, seeking freedom their own way. The focus on the story is on Itale's journey, but my favorite sections were those featuring Laura and Piera.

Spoiler

Some sections of the book made me quite angry. Why are there so few choices for the women here? While historically correct, it is still infuriating. One particular scene where Italo describes 22-year old Piera as too worn out to account for much is heart wrenching. The subtle ending merited multiple reads.