The Dispossessed Audiobook By Ursula K. Le Guin cover art

The Dispossessed

A Novel

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The Dispossessed

By: Ursula K. Le Guin
Narrated by: Don Leslie
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“One of the greats….Not just a science fiction writer; a literary icon.” – Stephen King

From the brilliant and award-winning author Ursula K. Le Guin comes a classic tale of two planets torn apart by conflict and mistrust — and the man who risks everything to reunite them.

A bleak moon settled by utopian anarchists, Anarres has long been isolated from other worlds, including its mother planet, Urras—a civilization of warring nations, great poverty, and immense wealth. Now Shevek, a brilliant physicist, is determined to reunite the two planets, which have been divided by centuries of distrust. He will seek answers, question the unquestionable, and attempt to tear down the walls of hatred that have kept them apart.

To visit Urras—to learn, to teach, to share—will require great sacrifice and risks, which Shevek willingly accepts. But the ambitious scientist's gift is soon seen as a threat, and in the profound conflict that ensues, he must reexamine his beliefs even as he ignites the fires of change.

Accolades & Awards

Hugo Award
1975
Locus Award
1975
Nebula Award
1974
Hugo Award Locus Award Metaphysical & Visionary Nebula Award Science Fiction Space Exploration Thought-Provoking Literary Fiction Genre Fiction Fantasy

Featured Article: The Most Stellar Sci-Fi Authors of All Time


Science fiction is a genre as diverse as you can imagine. There are stories that take place in deep space, often depicting teams exploring or running away from something; stories that focus on life at the most cellular level, such as a pandemic tale; and stories that take place in times that feel similar to our own. Depicting themes of existentialism, philosophy, hubris, and personal and historical trauma, sci-fi has a cadre of topics and moods.

Featured Article The Most Stellar Sci Fi Authors of All Time
Thought-provoking Ideas • Complex Characters • Clear Pronunciation • Rich Worldbuilding • Philosophical Depth

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Had to read this for a class I'm taking, I'm glad I did, but it was a very unique book, not sure what I expected but it was a satisfying experience

Fascinating, but odd

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Strong perceptions on various governing structures, but the story is nearly non-existent. Overall, it was boring.

Story stalls as political overview dominates

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No other fiction novel has made me question so much. The story is riveting. The ideas mind blowing. The voice actor wonderful. I've listened three times through!

A must read for humans

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This book is really an examination of different ways to organize society. It seems that freedom is difficult to maintain no matter what. A number of times the book consists of people discussing concepts. It didn't help that the narrator didn't differentiate the speakers much. It was also confusing that the story moves from past to present in alternating chapters. I actually had to get the print book from the library to figure that out. Maybe this just is a book that works better in print. Many people have found it very thought-provoking but in the audio it didn't grab me at all.

Mostly philosophical

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so I really loved the narrator, I think he did great! however I feel like the story was drawn out. there are definitely parts of the story that, I just didn't connect with at all.

it was oooooookkkkkkay

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