Reviews with content warning for Vomit - The Dispossessed

Still don't know what exactly to say about this book, but it was an interesting exploration of the implications of how different societies both shape and are shaped by the people who participate in them.
I'm gonna ruminate on it for a little bit and then later do a more thorough review.

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gilnean's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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eep's review against another edition

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adventurous reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

This is an absolutely amazing and insightful book! The point of view and time variations every other chapter make the story very lively, especially reaching the end of the book. Many scenes were emotional, and I really enjoyed the way Le Guin gave detailed descriptions of the moral dilemmas and philosophy of not only Shevek, but also the communit(y/ies) of Anarres and Urras. I think for the full affect, historical knowledge of feminism in the 1970s is helpful. There is also a scene that graphically depicts sexual assault at the very end of the party in Chapter 7. It is extremely difficult to think of Shevek as a 'likeable' or 'good' character after that and, despite this, the assault is never mentioned again. This reflection is due to a modern point of view though, and Le Guin's intention was in no way a support of Shevek's actions; she was attempting to show the moral corruption caused by the social and political systems on Urras, that managed to even infiltrate an anarchist such as Shevek. Overall, however, I think this is an important piece of feminist sci-fi of course, and I love the imagery and philosophy Le Guin describes.

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pastelkerstin's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective medium-paced

4.5

Essential reading if you're a leftist who likes sci-fi! I thought The Left Hand of Darkness was good, but I wouldn't say it's one of my favourite books. But The Dispossessed now is.

One of the most interesting things about The Left Hand of Darkness for me was the mention of another planet in the federation without war or law enforcement. Now, this book apparently takes place before the federation was formed, but it's exactly about that. It's about an anarchist society, the capitalist society it clashes with, and a scientist caught between the two who wants to follow his passion. And it doesn't beat around the bush at all with its politics. No fantasy names for real-life political concepts. Instead you get moving criticisms of capitalism, authoritarianism, police brutality and patriarchy. Although Anarres isn't portrayed as flawless or as totally immune to what they were trying to escape (e.g. social capital creates a kind of hierarchy after all), you know that despite its flaws and hardships, it portrays a world more just than Urras on such a deep level.

I borrowed this from the university library, but I liked it so much, I might actually buy my own copy. My only real gripe with it is how [vague spoilers ahead] Shevek's accidental drunk night ends. He narrowly avoided becoming a character I couldn't root for anymore. Very narrowly. I think him getting drunk accidentally and not knowing what's happening/how to deal with it at all because Anarrestri don't drink makes perfect sense. I just don't like where that went...
Otherwise really fucking good!!

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zombiezami's review

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Not sure if this is for me. I might re-evaluate after looking at more of the series.

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sunray1503's review against another edition

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challenging reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

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