The Dispossessed

The Dispossessed cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Technical
  • ID: 4192
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781473206069
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2015-09-30
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 4

The Dispossessed follows Shevek, a gifted physicist, as he leaves his homeland in search of a society that values liberty and tolerance. Initially celebrated, he soon becomes entangled in political intrigue, revealing the complexities of human nature and societal structures. Le Guin's masterpiece explores profound themes of cooperation, competition, and the natural world's influence on human behavior. Praised by critics and authors alike, it remains a timeless exploration of utopian ideals and the human condition.

Reviews
Fantasy Literature · Stuart Starosta · 2025-10-21
excellent 5.00

The book is described as a masterpiece and one of the reviewer's all-time favorites. It is praised for its nuanced exploration of society and its place in the SF canon.

Stuart Starosta's review of 'The Dispossessed' is highly laudatory, describing it as a masterpiece in the genre and one of their all-time favorite books. They appreciate the nuanced and detailed look at an anarchist society, finding the exploration of these themes to be both insightful and engaging. Starosta also highlights the book's place in the SF canon, praising its ambitious scope and the way it tackles big questions about society and human nature. The reviewer finds the book to be a rewarding and thought-provoking read, worthy of its high praise.


Quick quotes

    It is a masterpiece in the genre and a great book by any measure, one of my all-time favorites.

    The Dispossessed offers a nuanced and detailed look at an anarchist society, making it a standout in the genre.

    Le Guin's exploration of big questions about society and human nature is both ambitious and compelling.

Alan K. Dell's Blog · 2022-02-09
brilliant 4.50

The book is praised for its deep exploration of political and social themes, with Le Guin's worldbuilding being particularly highlighted. The narrative is described as masterfully human and exceptionally detailed.

Alan K. Dell's review of 'The Dispossessed' is filled with admiration for Ursula K. Le Guin's ability to weave complex political and social themes into a compelling narrative. They appreciate the detailed worldbuilding and the human element that Le Guin brings to the story, making it a rich and thought-provoking read. The review emphasizes the depth of the book's exploration of societal structures and the nuanced way in which Le Guin presents her ideas. It's clear that the reviewer is deeply impressed by the book's intellectual and emotional resonance.


Quick quotes

    The book is an exploration of deep political and social themes, pulled together with Le Guin's masterfully human worldbuilding, exceptionally detailed.

    Le Guin's writing is both profound and accessible, making complex ideas understandable and engaging.

    The narrative is a testament to Le Guin's skill in creating worlds that feel real and lived-in.

Nusantara Naga · 2019-10-19
harrowing 4.75

The book is described as a transformative read that deeply affected the reviewer, returning meaning and inspiration. It is praised for its profound impact and the way it engages with big ideas.

In their review, the author of Nusantara Naga describes 'The Dispossessed' as a transformative read that had a profound impact on them. They speak of the book waking something within them and returning a sense of meaning and inspiration. The reviewer is deeply moved by Le Guin's exploration of big ideas and the way she crafts her narrative to engage with complex themes. The book is seen as a powerful and thought-provoking work that leaves a lasting impression.


Quick quotes

    Before I tell you about The Dispossessed, let me tell you how that book affected me. It woken something in me.

    It returned meaning to my life in a way that few books have.

    The Dispossessed is a profound exploration of big ideas, crafted with skill and depth.

The Guardian · 2011-03-29
intriguing 3.50

The writing is described as dense and occasionally opaque, but the reviewer acknowledges the depth and complexity of Le Guin's work. The book is seen as a significant contribution to the science fiction genre.

The Guardian's review of 'The Dispossessed' notes that Ursula K. Le Guin's writing can be dense and at times opaque, which might not appeal to all readers. However, they recognize the profound depth and complexity of her work, particularly in its exploration of societal and political themes. The reviewer acknowledges that Le Guin's dense prose is a deliberate choice, aimed at conveying the intricacy of the ideas she presents. Despite the occasional difficulty, the book is regarded as a significant and impactful piece of science fiction.


Quick quotes

    True (and this also should be expected) the writing can be dense, opaque and occasionally absurd; she doesn't exactly have a light touch.

    But the depth and complexity of Le Guin's work are undeniable, making it a significant contribution to the genre.

    The book's exploration of societal and political themes is both profound and thought-provoking.