The Word for World is Forest

by Ursula Le Guin
The Word for World is Forest cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
Technical
  • ID: 4555
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781473205796
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2015-04-23
  • Reviews: 3

The Word for World is Forest explores the devastating impact of colonization on the indigenous Athsheans, whose peaceful way of life is shattered by the arrival of the bloodthirsty yumens. Forced into servitude, the Athsheans, led by Selver, must confront the moral dilemma of violence to defend their existence. The novel delves into themes of cultural conflict, environmentalism, and the loss of innocence, as the Athsheans struggle to preserve their humanity in the face of oppression. /n/n Ursula K. Le Guin's thought-provoking narrative challenges readers to consider the consequences of imperialism and the resilience of indigenous cultures. The story is a powerful commentary on the destructive nature of war and the struggle to maintain one's identity in the face of overwhelming force.

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.

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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