Before Total Recall, Ursula K. Le Guin penned [b:City of Illusions|201889|City of Illusions (Hainish Cycle, #3)|Ursula K. Le Guin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1382955526l/201889._SY75_.jpg|89334]. I feel like if you enjoyed that film, there is more than likely something to enjoy with the memory altering elements of this novel. Truly, the intersection of memory and identity is endlessly fascinating to me.

The novel centers on Falk, who awakens without memory or knowledge of self; a true tabula rasa. He lives like and grows from this new adult foundling for years, eventually becoming a leader within his new community. But how can one establish roots if you do not know who you are? He sets off on a journey to better understand the Shing, and on the way he saves a young a woman from a terrorizing situation. As the two journey and grow closer, Falk's grasp on reality can feel tentative at times, further fueled by the confusion of who he might be.

Now in a book entitled City of Illusions it should surprise no one that nothing presented is quite what it seems, so I found the twists and turns of the tale to be quite interesting and entertaining. Overall, I thought this was a solid entry in the Hainish Cycle, and do recommend it.

Rating: 3.5 stars