The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin

The Dispossessed (Hainish Cycle)

by Ursula K. Le Guin

One of the very best must-read novels of all time - with a new introduction by Roddy Doyle

'A well told tale signifying a good deal; one to be read again and again' THE TIMES

'The book I wish I had written ... It's so far away from my own imagination, I'd love to sit at my desk one day and discover that I could think and write like Ursula Le Guin' Roddy Doyle

'Le Guin is a writer of phenomenal power' OBSERVER

The Principle of Simultaneity is a scientific breakthrough which will revolutionize interstellar civilization by making possible instantaneous communication. It is the life work of Shevek, a brilliant physicist from the arid anarchist world of Anarres.

But Shevek's work is being stifled by jealous colleagues, so he travels to Anarres's sister-planet Urras, hoping to find more liberty and tolerance there. But he soon finds himself being used as a pawn in a deadly political game.

Reviewed by Michael @ Knowledge Lost on

2 of 5 stars

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I must admit I groaned a bit when I started The Dispossessed, a book about aliens and their different social structures. I’ve read books like this and I wasn’t really in the mood for another Sci-Fi book about anarchist societies. It is a bit dry and difficult to read but I did end up finding this book really interesting. I did end up finding the most interesting parts of this book was the different societies and how no could ever be perfect. The Dispossessed is just a giant metaphor about the world we live in. It’s not an easy read but rather interesting anyway.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 7 October, 2011: Finished reading
  • 7 October, 2011: Reviewed