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Fantasy· United States

Tehanu

by Ursula K. Le Guin
Aggregate Editorial Score60/100
★Nebula Award
Published 1991260 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Published in 1991, Tehanu established Ursula K. Le Guin as one of the defining voices in fantasy. Tenar, the former High Priestess of the Tombs of Atuan, now widowed and living simply in the countryside, takes in a brutally abused girl—and is rejoined by the Archmage Ged, who has lost his power. Le Guin's Nebula-winning fourth Earthsea novel is the quietest and most feminist entry in the series, revisiting the world through the eyes of age and womanhood. Themes of power, womanhood, abuse run through the work. The book has received recognition from Nebula Award 1991.

Book Details

AuthorUrsula K. Le Guin
Published1991
Country of Origin🇺🇸 United States
LanguageEnglish
Pages260
Category🐉 Fantasy
ISBN9780689315633
Editorial Score60/100
About the Category

🐉 Fantasy

Stories set in imaginary worlds with magical or supernatural elements.

Explore all Fantasy books →
Country of Origin

🇺🇸 United States

This book is part of United States's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

First published in 1991, Ursula K. Le Guin's Tehanu is a work of fantasy that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with power, womanhood, abuse, aging gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Among its recognitions: Nebula Award 1991. Its aggregate editorial score of 60/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. What distinguishes Tehanu is how it handles its central concerns — power, womanhood, abuse, aging — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Tehanu reflects Ursula K. Le Guin's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with United States's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Nebula Award
winner · genre
199145
✍️
About the Author
Ursula K. Le Guin
United States
View Author →

Ursula K. Le Guin is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of science fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tehanu about?

Tenar, the former High Priestess of the Tombs of Atuan, now widowed and living simply in the countryside, takes in a brutally abused girl—and is rejoined by the Archmage Ged, who has lost his power. Le Guin's Nebula-winning fourth Earthsea novel is the quietest and most feminist entry in the series, revisiting the world through the eyes of age and womanhood.

Who wrote Tehanu?

Tehanu was written by Ursula K. Le Guin, from United States. First published in 1991.

What awards has Tehanu won?

Tehanu has received the following awards and honours: Nebula Award 1991.

Is Tehanu worth reading?

Tehanu is a notable work that has earned critical attention, with an aggregate editorial score of 45/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in power, womanhood, abuse.

Where can I buy Tehanu?

You can buy Tehanu on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Tehanu?

Tehanu is classified as Fantasy. Stories set in imaginary worlds with magical or supernatural elements.

What country is Tehanu from?

Tehanu originates from United States's literary tradition. Explore more books from United States on our country page.

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