When last we saw Tenar, she had been spirited away from the Tombs of Atuan (1970) by Ged. When Ged returned in The Furthest Shore (1972), Tenar did not. It turns out that Tenar had gone to Ged's home island of Gont and lived with Ged's old mentor, Ogion. However, the path of magic was not for her. She married a farmer and raised two children. She is a widow who lives alone on her farm, her children having grown up and moved away. Into her life enters a girl, Therru, who has been horribly burned by vagrants. She adopts the girl as her own and takes her along when she visits the ailing Ogion. While at Ogion's house, Ged arrives. He is no longer a wizard, his magic lost during The Furthest Shore. Now just a man, he kindles feelings for Tenar, feelings which she long held toward him.
The story is slow-paced and often little more than Tenar's thoughts and doubts, fears and hopes. The story is told almost entirely from her viewpoint. There are frequent hints that Therru is more than she seems. Ordinary folk fear her, Ogion insists that Tenar teach her everything, and witches are wary of her power. What is the deal with this girl?
Considering that it took nearly 20 years for this follow up book, it is exceedingly boring. I am baffled that it won awards. There is Eastern philosophy in action, but mostly the characters are just a bunch of victims who survive their trials. When there is action, it is mostly glossed over in an instant.
I enjoyed the original trilogy, but this was more like a Hallmark Special set in Earthsea. Will Tenar find love as a widow? Will Ged find meaning in his life without magic? Can Therru find a place in society despite her horrible burns?
Disappointing.
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