Frank H. (perryfran) reviewed on 3/24/2018 + 1223 more book reviews

This classic work of Le Guin's was published in 1974 and it is definitely a work of its time although it is in some ways just as timely today. It's the story of Shevek who grew up in a society who abandoned their planet, Urras and established a new life on its moon, Anarres, 170 years previously. The people on Anarres fled because of oppression and founded a "utopia" there where no one owns property, there is no government or police, no laws, and where everyone supposedly can do as one pleases. However, Shevek and others on Anarres see flaws in how the society is straying and how some seem to seek power and oppression over others. He is a physicist who is working on a theory that may revolutionize space travel but his ideas are suppressed on Anarres so he decides to travel to the home planet, Urras, to try to get his theory recognized and try to break down walls between the two planets.

The primary theme of the novel is an illustration of the merits and dangers of anarchy and socialism but other themes include gender equality, time theory, and the nature of freedom. When Shevek travels to Urras, he is kept away from the lower classes of society and it seems that he is only wanted for his theories. But he does manage to see the other classes, many who applaud the original settlers of Anarres and want to go there even though that planet is mostly a desert and living conditions are hard in the extreme. Shevek also ultimately wants to return when he sees Urras as it is. He decides that "there is nothing on Urras that Anarresti need! We left with empty hands, and we were right. We took nothing. Because there is nothing here but States and their weapons, the rich and their lies, and the poor and their misery. There is no way to act rightly, with a clear heart on Urras. There is nothing you can do that profit does not enter into, and fear of loss, and the wish for power. You cannot say good morning without knowing which of you is superior to the other, or trying to prove it. You cannot act like a brother to other people, you must manipulate them, or command them, or obey them, or trick them...There is no freedom!"

The book really argues both sides of the political spectrum and the dangers of both socialism and capitalism. Overall, very thought provoking but sometimes preachy. I used to read a lot of sci-fi back in the 70s but somehow I never read any of Le Guin's works. I guess I should read more of her!

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