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The Dispossessed
400 pages, 1994
A bleak moon settled by utopian anarchists, Anarres has long been isolated from other worlds, including its mother planet, Urras—a civilization of warring nations, great poverty, and immense wealth.
Now Shevek, a brilliant physicist, is determined to reunite the two planets, which have been divided by centuries of distrust. He will seek answers, question the unquestionable, and attempt to tear down the walls of hatred that have kept them apart.
To visit Urras—to learn, to teach, to share—will require great sacrifice and risks, which Shevek willingly accepts. But the ambitious scientist's gift is soon seen as a threat, and in the profound conflict that ensues, he must reexamine his beliefs even as he ignites the fires of change.
In The Dispossessed, Ursula K. Le Guin invites us to explore two contrasting societies. One is a capitalist society, the other is an anarchist society. She doesn't tell us which one is better, but lets us make our own conclusions. It's a great way to see how different systems work and think about what kind of society we want to live in.
Le Guin shows us that cooperation can be a powerful force. In the anarchist society, people work together for the common good. It's not always easy, but it's a way to achieve great things. This book will make you think about how you can cooperate more in your own life.
The Dispossessed encourages us to question the status quo. The main character, Shevek, isn't afraid to challenge the norms of his society. He's a great example of how we can stand up for what we believe in, even when it's not popular.
Freedom is a big theme in this book. Le Guin shows us that freedom isn't just about doing what we want, but also about having the opportunity to grow and change. It's a reminder to appreciate the freedoms we have and to fight for those we don't.
In The Dispossessed, Ursula K. Le Guin doesn't shy away from showing the complexity of human nature. She shows us that people can be selfish and generous, cruel and kind, all at the same time. It's a great book to read if you want to understand people better.
Quotes 3
Le Guin's The Dispossessed is a masterpiece that transcends genre, it's a book that makes you think, and continues to do so, long after you've finished reading.
Neil Gaiman - Author, ScreenwriterThe Dispossessed is not just a science fiction novel, it's a philosophical treatise on the nature of society. A must-read for anyone interested in the genre.
Margaret Atwood - Novelist, PoetThe Dispossessed is a novel of ideas, a manifesto, and a blueprint for a better world. It's a book that demands to be read and re-read.
William Gibson - Cyberpunk Pioneer