The Eye of the Heron
1978 science fiction novel by Ursula K. Le Guin.
The Eye of the Heron is a science fiction novel by American author Ursula K. Le Guin, first published in 1978 within the anthology *Millennial Women*, edited by Virginia Kidd. The story takes place on the fictional planet of Victoria, likely in the 22nd century, about 200 years after colonization severed all contact with Earth. The protagonist is a young woman named Luz, though the third-person narrative shifts perspectives among several characters. While often considered one of Le Guin's lesser works, the novel displays her characteristic prose and recurring themes.
The title refers to a native animal on Victoria that early colonists named "heron" due to superficial similarities to Earth herons. Encounters with these creatures occur during moments of deep introspection, especially when characters confront what they perceive as alien or other.
Victoria was settled by two waves of Earth colonists: first, prison ships that established a penal colony, followed by a ship carrying political exiles. The descendants of the prisoners mostly live in the City, while the exiles' descendants, called the "People of Peace," inhabit Shantih Town (dismissively called Shanty Town by City dwellers). The Shantih Towners, primarily farmers, wish to settle a distant valley. The City's ruling "Bosses," fearing loss of control, act to prevent any settlement beyond their influence.
Major characters from the City include Luz Marina Falco Cooper, her father and Boss Luis Burnier Falco, Herman Macmilan, and Captain Eden. From Shantih Town come Vera Adelson, Lev Shults, Southwind, Andre, Hari, and Elia.
The novel's major themes—common in Le Guin's work—include the social construction of gender, interactions between different societies, internal dynamics within societies, and contact with the alien or other. It contrasts pacifist anarchism with violent oligarchy through its two communities. Characters' metaphorical internal journeys are mirrored by literal external journeys in the plot.
In a 1995 interview, Le Guin described *The Eye of the Heron* as a turning point in her writing. She said the hero insisted on destroying himself early in the writing process, forcing her to stop and realize she did not know how to write about women.
Quick Facts
- Title Orig
- Originally published in the Millennial Women anthology
- Author
- Ursula K. Le Guin
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
- Genre
- Science fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction, social science fiction, feminist science fiction
- Publisher
- Delacorte Press
- Release Date
- 1978
- Media Type
- Print (hardback & paperback)
- Pages
- 192
- Isbn
- 0-89340-651-1
- Oclc
- 12449108
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Eye of the Heron is set on the planet Victoria, which received two waves of colonists from Earth: first two prison ships founding a penal colony, then one ship of political exiles. The descendants of the prisoners mostly inhabit the city, while the descendants of the political exiles, called the 'People of Peace,' inhabit Shantih Town (known to City dwellers as Shanty Town). The Shantih Towners, primarily farmers, want to settle another valley further from the city, but the City 'Bosses' take action to prevent any settlement beyond their sphere of influence.
Reader's Guide
The Eye of the Heron explores major themes common to much of Le Guin's fiction, including the social constructions of gender, interactions between individuals from different societies, intra-actions within societies, and contact with that which is perceived as alien or other. The novel also juxtaposes pacifist anarchism with violent oligarchy. In a 1995 interview, Le Guin said that while writing the novel in 1977, the hero insisted on destroying himself before the middle of the book, leading her to realize she did not know how to write about women. She found guidance in feminist theory, which she said taught her she could write like a woman and feel liberated. The novel contains the phrase 'beginning place,' which Le Guin incorporated into the title of her 1980 novel The Beginning Place. It placed 21st in the 1979 Locus Award for Best SF Novel.
Did You Know?
- The title refers to a fictional animal on planet Victoria that early colonists called heron due to superficial similarities to Earth heron.
- The phrase 'beginning place' does not appear in The Eye of the Heron; it is from the novel The Beginning Place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Eye of the Heron?
It is a 1978 science fiction novel by Ursula K. Le Guin that first appeared in the anthology Millennial Women, edited by Virginia Kidd. The story is set on the isolated planet Victoria, roughly two centuries after its colonists severed all ties with Earth.
Who is the protagonist of The Eye of the Heron?
The central character is Luz Marina Falco Cooper, a young woman living on Victoria. The third-person narrative, however, also shifts to follow the perspectives of several other residents.
What is the setting of The Eye of the Heron?
The novel takes place on the fictional planet Victoria, likely in the 22nd century, in a society that has been cut off from Earth for about two hundred years following the original colonization.
What themes does The Eye of the Heron explore?
The story examines identity, ecological relationships, and the social structures of a closed community, all hallmarks of Le Guin's broader body of work. It reflects her characteristic interest in how isolated societies define themselves without outside reference points.
How is The Eye of the Heron generally regarded among Le Guin readers?
Fans and critics often list it as one of her lesser-known novels, yet it still displays her distinctive prose and recurring thematic concerns. It is frequently recommended as an accessible entry point for readers new to her non-Hainish fiction.
More in Novels by Ursula K. Le Guin 1-20
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced