The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin
We'll discuss one of science fiction’s most celebrated political and philosophical masterpieces. Should generate a good amount of discussion.
[Free version online](https://files.libcom.org/files/Le%20Guin%20-%20The%20Dispossessed.pdf). I'll look more for a downloadable version if you prefer. Paperback is currently [$11.65 on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Dispossessed-50th-Anniversary-Ursula-Guin/dp/0063382938/ref=pd_sbs_d_sccl_1_1/143-6910852-7762467?pd_rd_w=aENPz&content-id=amzn1.sym.aa738fbd-ad05-4d11-aae2-04b598db6305&pf_rd_p=aa738fbd-ad05-4d11-aae2-04b598db6305&pf_rd_r=FMZV4ZVG1QZ8C1T0EHYZ&pd_rd_wg=toCR1&pd_rd_r=5887f8f7-fe06-4e7d-a64f-a271fd2fb855&pd_rd_i=0063382938&psc=1).
About the book
A brilliant physicist living on the anarcho-communist moon of Anarres finds his revolutionary work blocked by social pressure and bureaucratic stagnation. Driven by a desire to share his groundbreaking theory of temporal physics, he takes an unprecedented risk: traveling to Urras, the rich, capitalist, and deeply hierarchical mother planet his ancestors fled generations ago. As he navigates the lavish allure and hidden cruelties of Urras, he must confront the limitations of both societies and what true freedom really costs.
Why read it?
• Literary History: A rare winner of the Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Awards, standing as a foundational text of speculative fiction.
• Themes for Discussion: A compelling, nuanced examination of utopian idealism, capitalism versus anarchism, intellectual freedom, walls (both literal and mental), and what it means to be an outsider everywhere.
Length & genre
• Page Count: \~320 to 400 pages (depending on edition)
• Reading Time: \~8 to 11 hours
• Genre: Sci-Fi / Philosophical / Political Fiction
