This is an exceptional collection of short stories, set on a wide array of varied worlds with many different ways of life. Le Guin does a great job at asking “What if a world was like this?” and answering the question in an intriguing and satisfying way. 

Solitude is my favourite in this collection. The concept of ‘magic’ in this world and the knock-on effects of its failure in their civilisation is something I haven’t seen explored the same way elsewhere. I ended the story with very warm feelings towards the main character and her soul-making journey. I also very much enjoyed Unchosen Love and Paradises Lost.