Review by ropie (2008-12-01)
The Dispossessed was one of those books that I heard a lot about before reading, good and bad. In short, for me it had none of the excitement or grand beauty of The Left Hand of Darkness but was still an engaging story with strong characters. The main thing I disliked about it was that it was terminally dull in outlook. I enjoyed the descriptions of life on Anarres - seemed to me it was based on the idea of an Israeli kibbutz - but the stifled personality of Shevek (even the names are Hebrew-esque) kept the book firmly in the doldrums. LeGuin creates totally convincing societies but this book didn't move me with its political discourse and preaching sensibilities. Not that I am against that kind of thing but it did seem somewhat dated. Still, a worthy read and excellent in places.

(This review refers to the 1974 version titled “The Dispossessed”)

Review by antonius (2004-08-03)
This is not a perfect book. Some elements are seventies, like the sexual freedom, the "peace & love filosofy, "don't egoise!".
There is not alot of "science fiction" in it either: the worlds Urras and Anarres could well be New York city and the Nevada deserts.
The basic idea of the novel is to present an ideal world, and to compare it to our own world. The "ideal" is a combination between a communist organisation of society, and a hippie-like form of peace & love morality. The other world is like our own, with the social structure of 100 years ago, and the visuals of 50 years on. Reading the novel I was thinking that it presents communism as the "heaven" for capitalism.
In discribing those two worlds, and the main character Shevek moving around in those two worlds, the pro's and contra's of both are revealed, as well as how an individual experiences them.
The story is movingly told: you really get to know Shevek and the daily life of the two worlds is very credible.

Review by branko (2003-06-17)
This novel is well written, but there was never a chemistry for me, let alone the connection with universal truths that others seem to find in it. Le Guin is particularly strong in painting everyday life in alternative societies, and that she succeeds to do here also and admirably. As others have observed, she does not just show the type of anarchistic rule that is predominant on Anarres in a positive light, she also tries to reveal the bad sides of such a government.

Review by sTalking_Goat (2003-03-08)
My favourite book of all time (and consequently the greatest book ever written, EVER) . This book has become more or less my Bible. I've read it so many times my only paperback copy has no glue in the binding. I think the story of Anares is what socialist could be but will never be, at least on this planet anyway. Its a story of what a society could be if we would just stop screwing each over for objects. I also like it because its not a perfect society. The book shows that even in Utopia there are assholes, but they can be overcome.. The lessons at its core is that which every human should follow. Live simply, take only what you need, and help those around you (even if you don't like them).