Reviews with content warning for War - Los desposeídos

First Le Guin, what a fantastic first book to read by her! Extremely interesting reflection on politics and revo utionary action, even in a post-cold war world. Huge recommendation!

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evelphysicist's review against another edition

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adventurous reflective slow-paced

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

3.75

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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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awrathall's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

Le Guin’s work never ceases to amaze me. This book is unlike anything I’ve ever read, deeply fantastical and deeply human in equal parts. Highly highly recommend.

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ka_cam's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging hopeful informative mysterious reflective fast-paced

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

4.75

I enjoyed the structure time in the story, the political philosophy and philosophy of physics, the musings on language, morality, social dynamics, and autonomy, and think anyone who enjoys those topics will find this an interesting read. I Can see how more recent ‘left or left-ish’ sci-fi has taken inspiration from this. It did well at not being overly dystopian or utopian on either planet, making the characters and situations feel more realistic and complex. I felt the changes in Shavek while on Urras were underexplored, especially related to a sexual assault- he just moved on when it came to his own behaviors, when he was otherwise highly critical of gender relations on Urras and fairly self aware, which seemed a bit off to me. All in all recommend!

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bedtimesnack's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful informative medium-paced

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

4.5

I've never read any other anarchist lit and I really enjoyed how this book introduces some of those concepts in the form of a classic exploration sci fi story. I particularly liked the depiction of Shevek's home life, of what a family would look like on an anarchist planet. The description of their shared dorm room, with the soft light and hanging mobiles, was so beautiful.

In working my way through the Hainish novels and short stories, I think Takver is the best written female character yet. She has her own agenda, doesn't recreate feminine stereotypes, and initiates changes to the plot.

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finn_1312's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

5.0

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