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The Dispossessed cover art

The Dispossessed

By: Ursula K. Le Guin
Narrated by: Roddy Doyle,Tim Treloar
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Publisher's Summary

One of the very best must-listen novels of all time - with a new introduction by Roddy Doyle

'There was a wall. It did not look important - even a child could climb it. But the idea was real. Like all walls it was ambiguous, two-faced. What was inside it and what was outside it depended upon which side of it you were on...'

Shevek is brilliant scientist who is attempting to find a new theory of time - but there are those who are jealous of his work, and will do anything to block him. So he leaves his homeland, hoping to find a place of more liberty and tolerance. Initially feted, Shevek soon finds himself being used as a pawn in a deadly political game.

With powerful themes of freedom, society and the natural world's influence on competition and co-operation, THE DISPOSSESSED is a true classic of the 20th century.

Featuring a new introduction written and read by Roddy Doyle

©2019 Ursula K. Le Guin (P)2019 Orion Publishing Group

Critic Reviews

The book I wish I had written ... It's so far away from my own imagination, I'd love to sit at my desk one day and discover that I could think and write like Ursula Le Guin (Roddy Doyle)
An extraordinary work ... [Le Guin] created a working society in exquisite detail ... a fully realised hypothetical culture [as well as] living breathing characters who are inevitable products of that culture (Baird Searles)

What listeners say about The Dispossessed

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perfection.

one of the greatest works of literary science fiction and political literature. a must read.

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2 people found this helpful

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A master work that should be on your list

Suggested by my book club and what a book.
A great mirror of the world which everybody should read

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1 person found this helpful

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Lives up to its brilliant reputation

Timeless classic as relevant today as when first published in 1974. Gripping central dilemma of a science genius outcast in his own ‘anarchist-socialist’ ‘utopian’ society and unsafe on the capitalist home world - how does the extremely principled and likeable Shivek get his breakthrough to those who need it?

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1 person found this helpful

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messes with my head

So this was not what I expected.
I actually was engrossed the whole way through and found the characters real and flawed like most real people.
As I continue to ponder this book I find more meaning. This was not a fun read rather a journey into self examination and a look at society and human nature. Reminded me of James Joyce's Ulysses more than any Sci FYI I have read. Recommended but not a book for the faint hearted.

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A vision of utopia as you’ve never seen it

Terrifyingly, imaginative, intelligent, and filled with insights that will make your head spin. This novel paints a vivid world so expertly conceived and intelligently conveyed that you could almost believe you could visit it. Part social critique, philosophical disposition and a desperate plea for change, the dispossessed has captured me as know other novel has if I was to include every word that I had considered or written, whilst engaging in this book, this with you would be quite literally unreadable. It is that finest work of pure creation that doesn’t just dazzle with its execution but challenges you to do and be better. Please read this.

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A wonderful story

It really spoke to me, I didn't want it to end. The characters are wonderful and the journey unexpected.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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A novel of interesting ideas

I wasn't sure what to make of this one. The ideas and the world were really interesting and painted vividly, but I struggled with the story structure. After reflecting I've given it 4 stars because it does keep you thinking, and the themes are still relevant today.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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confusing as an audio book

Well performed but the story flicks back and forth with no real pay-off. It's hard to see why this work is so well regarded. On the whole, a disappointment.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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Unfortunately tedious

After a long while i couldn’t finish this. I just didn’t care about the characters nor involved with them either. Maybe there’s something I missed.

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Never owners, never owned

Le Guin's ideas are fantastic, it's ending paired with copyright declarations provide the perfect juxtaposition

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