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The Dispossessed

A Novel

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The Dispossessed

Written by: Ursula K. Le Guin
Narrated by: Don Leslie
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About this listen

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, Anarres, to challenge the complex structures of life and living, and ignite the fires of change.

©1974 Ursula K. Le Guin (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers
Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Science Fiction Solar System
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What the critics say

  • Hugo Award, Best Novel, 1975
  • Nebula Award, Best Novel, 1974

What listeners say about The Dispossessed

Average Customer Ratings
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    3 out of 5 stars

meh

sci-fi tropes used to deliver a social commentary. will performed and thought provoking, but not my cuppa tea

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Very captivating

I initially disliked the narrators voice, although it quickly became a non-issue. A very interesting and captivating book despite having no combat or even a very explicit set of problems for the protagonist to overcome. It was not my usual genre, but I’m glad I tried it. There are very nuanced and tasteful thoughts on feminism, communism (both authoritarian and libertarian), travel, psychology, and other less dramatic themes. They are all thoughtfully interwoven into a very compelling narrative that turned into a real page turner (ear turner?).

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    4 out of 5 stars

Great Intellectual Sci Fi

Much like Asimov's work, The Dispossessed is dialogue and concept-driven Science Fiction. Not a lot in the way of action but full of rich world-building and ideas about society and our connections to wealth, culture, and the stars.

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a very good read

a gripping read that makes you think. Everytime I read it I get more out of it. it is a rare book that discusses the merits of communism and capitalism with an even hand while still being interesting. #Audible1

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Fascinating

One of the best sci-fi novels, and one of the best novels, I've ever read. The Universe described is a fascinating, imaginative political utopia and dystopia. The characters are dynamic and the plot is exciting, but unforced.

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Gorgeous, Philosophical Story

Le Guin is brilliant here for giving us a charitable reading of both an anarchist “ambiguous utopia” and a capitalist plutocracy and highlighting potential issues and corruptions in each. Through Shevek we see a character lose his grip on opposing ideologies that hold him back interpersonally and professionally. A masterpiece.

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incredible

one of the best SciFi stories I've ever read, although be warned it is not action packed. character driven and lots of worldbuilding

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Personal initiative described as a necessary function for both each individual and the society as a whole.

I’ve listened to this book at least five times after reading the dead tree version several times.
I cherish the story and the ideas.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Inner walls are the highest

A good illustration of how unspoken rules are always stricter than written laws, how the internalized unfreedom is the worst possible tyranny. A horrid picture of a self-isolated, deeply corrupted society that spiritually castrates itself for the sake of backwardly understood equality. Slow-going story, but good reading anyways.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Incredible Book that make you think.

I used this Audiobook as a second reading of the book after I had read a paper copy. The first reading was good, this audiobook was amazing.

The narrator adds so much depth to the story, which is already one that raises so many questions that you can’t help but think about it for weeks afterwards.

If you’re a sci fi nerd, interested in political philosophy, or just like a good philosophical fiction this is the one for you.

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