The Word for World is Forest

by Ursula Le Guin
The Word for World is Forest cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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  • ID: 4555
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • ISBN: 9781473205796
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2015-04-23
  • Reviews: 4

The Word for World is Forest explores the consequences of conquest and the struggle for freedom. The Athsheans, a peaceful and harmonious people, are forced into servitude by the bloodthirsty yumens. As they fight back, led by Selver, they risk losing the core values that define their society. This powerful tale delves into themes of colonialism, environmentalism, and the moral complexities of resistance. The novel challenges readers to consider the true cost of violence and the preservation of cultural identity. Ursula K. Le Guin's thought-provoking narrative is a blend of science fiction and social commentary, set against the backdrop of an alien world. The story is not just about the physical struggle but also the psychological and philosophical impact on both the conquerors and the conquered. It raises questions about the nature of humanity and the consequences of imposing one's will on others.

Reviews
Alan K. Dell · Alan K. Dell · 2024-02-12
excellent 4.50

Le Guin's prose is exceptional, with each character having a distinct voice. The story is a powerful allegory with a strong environmental message.

Alan K. Dell praises Le Guin's writing, highlighting her ability to create unique voices for each character. The story is seen as a powerful allegory, particularly in its environmental message. Dell appreciates the novella's depth and its relevance to contemporary issues. They found the narrative engaging and thought-provoking, making it a standout piece in Le Guin's body of work.

Quick quotes

    Le Guin's prose as usual is top-notch, and I particularly enjoy the way she is able to give all her character radically different voices.

    The story is a powerful allegory, with a strong environmental message that resonates deeply.

    The novella's depth and relevance to contemporary issues make it a standout piece in Le Guin's body of work.

Lonesome Reader · Lonesome Reader · 2023-09-08
entertaining 3.00

The novella is entertaining with inspired world-building but could have been more thought-provoking and complex.

Lonesome Reader finds the novella entertaining and appreciates its inspired world-building. However, they feel it could have been more thought-provoking and complex. The reviewer enjoys the story but wishes it delved deeper into its themes. Overall, it is seen as a good read, though not as impactful as it could have been.

Quick quotes

    So overall I felt this was an entertaining novella with some inspired world building but it could have been more thought provoking and complex.

    The story is enjoyable, but it wishes it delved deeper into its themes.

    It is a good read, though not as impactful as it could have been.

Jeroen's Thoughts · Jeroen · 2021-10-18
great 4.00

This novel offers clever, crystal-clear prose and effortless worldbuilding. Fans of Le Guin's writing will appreciate the sharp and thought-provoking narrative.

Jeroen highly recommends 'The Word for World is Forest' for its clever, crystal-clear prose and effortless worldbuilding. They note that the story is sharp and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for fans of Le Guin's writing. The review highlights the novel's ability to engage readers with its unique perspective and deep exploration of themes. Jeroen concludes that this is a standout work in Le Guin's repertoire, offering a rich and rewarding reading experience.

Quick quotes

    If you are a fan of Le Guin's writing and you want more of that clever, crystal-clear prose, effortless worldbuilding and sharp thought-provoking narrative, this is the book for you.

    The story is sharp and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for fans of Le Guin's writing.

    This is a standout work in Le Guin's repertoire, offering a rich and rewarding reading experience.

Nusantara Naga · Nusantara Naga · 2020-01-01
compelling 3.50

The book is a blunt allegory for American imperialism and the Vietnam War. It is a compelling read but lacks subtlety.

Nusantara Naga views the book as a blunt instrument in its allegory for American imperialism and the Vietnam War. They find the story compelling but feel it could have benefited from more nuance. The reviewer appreciates the book's boldness but notes that its unsubtle approach might not appeal to all readers. Overall, it is seen as a powerful statement, though not without its flaws.

Quick quotes

    As an allegory for American Imperialism and the Vietnam war, The Word for World is Forest is a blunt, unsubtle instrument.

    The book is a compelling read, but it could have benefited from more nuance in its approach.

    The boldness of the story makes it a powerful statement, though its unsubtle approach might not appeal to all readers.

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