I found this a thought-provoking exploration of an anarchist society eking out a marginal existence on a desert moon. Shevek, a theoretical physicist, is researching a theory of time counter to the prevailing orthodoxy. Le Guin uses his struggle to explore some of the ways in which anarchism can lead to conformity and a suppression of individual freedom.
That said, I was left with the distinct feeling that there were levels to this book that I didn't comprehend or simply missed entirely. That's the sign of a good book to me! ( )

I have a strong feeling that because I read this book rather hurriedly I didn’t get all its possible levels. I for sure enjoyed the story of Shevek taking a leap of faith an visiting another planet to which his own has complex historical connections. The two planets’ social structures are radical different but neither of them offers maximum happiness to its inhabitants. Shevek tries to synthesize the two and bridge over the century long hatred and separation. The part I would need to pay closer attention next time is the social critique part. I feel that Le Guin is providing useful analysis of our own planet, but would need to spend more time with it in order to understand what. Until then I can recommend this to anybody who is interested in phi-sci-fi (as in philosophical sci-fi.)

This SF classic is a look at differing societies as seen through the eyes of Shevek, a physicist from the world of Anarres. The differences between his home and its sister world of Urras bring to mind the questions of what makes a successful society. Is it to submerge your own freedom in order to build a world where everyone shares or to live in a hierarchical capitalist society?

When his work as a physicist is no longer possible to continue on his home world Shevek travels to Urras believing that all men should share his discoveries. His idealism is tested in this different society.

Ursula Le Guin has created a masterpiece of fiction. Shevek's life, hopes and dreams unfold against two well crafted worlds. As we follow him the age old question of what makes us human — work, friends and family — and how we fit into our own world are brought to mind. This is a work to be thought about. ( )

What happens to people when they live in freedom? When that freedom involves the absence both of states and capitalism? LeGuin's classic novel explores Goodmanite/Kropotkite anarchism in a cold war world. She sees it as an ambiguous utopia. But still as a utopia. ( )

While I had great hopes for this book, I feel like I was let down in the end, and even felt bored at points. LeGuin’s writing style is here in full force, and at times it swept me away with its poetic lilts, but this may be a book that was more engaging when it held more relevance in a previous time. ( )