The Dispossessed (Hainish Cycle #1)
by Ursula K. Le Guin

Shevek, a brilliant physicist, decides to take action. He will seek answers, question the unquestionable, and attempt to tear down the walls of hatred that have isolated his planet of anarchists from the rest of the civilized universe. To do this dangerous task will mean giving up his family and possibly his life--Shevek must make the unprecedented journey to the utopian mother planet, Urras, to challenge the complex structures of life and living, and ignite the fires of change.

This is also No. 326a on the 1001 books you must read before you die list.

This classic work of Le Guin's was published in 1974 and it is definitely a work of its time although it is in some ways just as timely today. It's the story of Shevek who grew up in a society who abandoned their planet, Urras and established a new life on its moon, Anarres, 170 years previously. The people on Anarres fled because of oppression and founded a "utopia" there where no one owns property, there is no government or police, no laws, and where everyone supposedly can do as one pleases. However, Shevek and others on Anarres see flaws in how the society is straying and how some seem to seek power and oppression over others. He is a physicist who is working on a theory that may revolutionize space travel but his ideas are suppressed on Anarres so he decides to travel to the home planet, Urras, to try to get his theory recognized and try to break down walls between the two planets.

The primary theme of the novel is an illustration of the merits and dangers of anarchy and socialism but other themes include gender equality, time theory, and the nature of freedom. When Shevek travels to Urras, he is kept away from the lower classes of society and it seems that he is only wanted for his theories. But he does manage to see the other classes, many who applaud the original settlers of Anarres and want to go there even though that planet is mostly a desert and living conditions are hard in the extreme. Shevek also ultimately wants to return when he sees Urras as it is. He decides that "there is nothing on Urras that Anarresti need! We left with empty hands, and we were right. We took nothing. Because there is nothing here but States and their weapons, the rich and their lies, and the poor and their misery. There is no way to act rightly, with a clear heart on Urras. There is nothing you can do that profit does not enter into, and fear of loss, and the wish for power. You cannot say good morning without knowing which of you is superior to the other, or trying to prove it. You cannot act like a brother to other people, you must manipulate them, or command them, or obey them, or trick them...There is no freedom!"

The book really argues both sides of the political spectrum and the dangers of both socialism and capitalism. Overall, very thought provoking but sometimes preachy. I used to read a lot of sci-fi back in the 70s but somehow I never read any of Le Guin's works. I guess I should read more of her!

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Read this as part of the 1001 list challenge for 2018.

Sending as a wishlist RABCK. Enjoy!

Wow! This was such a wonderful surprise to find in my mailbox today! Thank you, perryfran!

I can see why this book is highly recommended. Perryfran sums it up better than I could; see above comments. It's a slow burn but well worth it as it gets stronger towards the end. Le Guin is an amazing writer/thinker! If you haven't read this book, take some time and do so, especially if you are interested in reading about socialist and capitalist societies, anarchy, and what it means to be free.

I do wonder what they would do about a serial killer on Annares? They only talk about societal pressures keeping people in check and think only money and power creates real crime. There are minor crimes committed but their own guilt punishes them. The only murder that is mentioned is a story about the train conductor that killed a few in order to save many. He was not punished but did punish himself with guilt. The example of a serial killer would be someone that is not motivated to murder by money or power. There is a mental institute of some sort but people seem to go there of their own free will and to leave the same way. Just curious.

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Released in the Science Fiction Bookbox.


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Taking this book out of Erishkigal's Science Fiction Bookbox.