Allreaders.com

Voices - Annals of the Western Shore Book Summary and Study Guide

Detailed plot synopsis reviews of Voices - Annals of the Western Shore


Memer learns the art of reading--which is forbidden by her oppressors, the Alds--and this knowledge is key in the struggle for freedom. She is the daughter of a woman from Ansul and an Ald, and lives at the House of the Oracle with the Waylord who keeps a secret library and the old faith.
Click here to see the rest of this review...


While out shopping for the household, Memer meets a woman named Gry with her halflion, Shetar. She is the wife of the Maker Orrec Caspro, and they seek the Waylord's rumored books.

When not learning about the history of the war against Ansul from the Waylord, Orrec recites poetry for a leader of the Ald (the people who destroyed most of the books in Ansul). Memer and Gry accompany him; Memer poses as the halflion's male groom and befriends a young Ald named Simme.

The information that the Maker, Gry, and Memer gather aids in the resistance against the Alds. A younger, conservative Ald takes power by imprisoning his father--the older, more tolerant leader of the Alds (who loved Orrec's poetry).

Memer learns that she is the Reader, the person who channels the oracle. After a violent attack by the rebellion, people gather at the house of the Waylord. The Alds follow, and Memer reads out of one of the oracle books. Her actions lead to freeing the imprisoned leader and, eventually, a peaceful pact between the peoples that ensures the freedom of reading.
Best part of story, including ending: Memer's story was a fantastic resistance story with a profound love of books and peace.

Best scene in story: One amazing scene is when Memer discovers that she can channel the oracle, and reads from an oracular text in the hidden library of the Waylord.

Opinion about the main character: Memer is loyal to her people, but also learns when to be accepting of others; her knowledge of books and the oracle leads to her enlightenment.

The review of this Book prepared by Marjorie a Level 1 Blue Jay scholar

Chapter Analysis of Voices - Annals of the Western Shore

Click on a plot link to find similar books!

Plot & Themes

Composition of Book Descript. of chases or violence 10%planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives 20%Feelings, relationships, character bio/development 40%Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places 30% Tone of book    -   sensitive (sigh....) FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION?    -   fantasy world/fantasy past Repressive society story    -   Yes Repressive because:    -   education is illegal Is this an adult or child's book?    -   Adult or Young Adult Book Who's a slave/repressed?    -   kiddies are repressed

Main Character

Identity:    -   Female Age:    -   a teen

Setting

A substantial portion of this book takes place on a non-Earth planetary body:    -   humans in a primitive/fantasy society Planet outside solar system?    -   Yes

Writing Style

Accounts of torture and death?    -   moderately detailed references to deaths How much dialogue?    -   significantly more dialog than descript

Books with storylines, themes & endings like Voices - Annals of the Western Shore

Ursula K. Le Guin Books Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).
2 Ways to Search!
Or



Our Chief Librarian