The Sword and Laser discussion

Generally speaking, I have found that most science fiction written in the 50's and 60's doesn't age well, especially when telepathy, psychology and sexuality are concerned. For me, even worse is when the entire book is designed to make a "controversial" statement on one of these areas.

HOWEVER, I found this book to NOT be the typical 60's psychedelic novel... I really enjoyed this book! I think it has aged well and, while the premise of the book could be considered by some to be "preachy", I didn't find it so. Even though I would probably lean towards an different view than the author's socio-political views, I thought this "thought experiment" was immensely successful.

Did anyone else have the same initial expectations but unexpected response that I did?

Although I have enjoyed other books in the Hainish cycle, I had put this one off for a long time, unsure of what I would be getting into.

But like you say, it is actually a well executed tale, that challenges and entertains without any psychedelic excursions. I am only halfway done, but I am finding that TLHoD reminds me of The Dispossessed in what is shaping up to be a exploration of contrasting societies.

Brent wrote: "... it is actually a well executed tale, that challenges and entertains without any psychedelic excursions."

Well said

"One is respected and judged only as a human being. It is an appalling experience." made me laugh out loud

Yeah, compared to our previous psychedelic pick,

Well Bob, are you sure that your spaceship wasn't just a metaphor for your penis? Here, have a cigar

this could have been published yesterday.

Rob Secundus wrote: "Yeah, compared to our previous psychedelic pick,
Well Bob, are you sure that your spaceship wasn't just a metaphor for your penis? Here, have a cigar
this could have been published yesterday."

I will never listen to Pink Floyd's "Have a Cigar" in quite the same way again...