31 pages • 1 hour read
The Word for World is Forest
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Book Brief
192
Novella • Fiction
Planet Athshe • Futuristic
1972
Adult
15+ years
Super Short Summary
In Ursula K. Le Guin's novella The Word for World is Forest, humans colonize the forest planet Athshe, exploiting its resources and enslaving its native population. The oppressed Athsheans, led by Selver, revolt violently, eventually forcing the humans to leave. Post-departure, Selver worries about the permanence of violence introduced to his people. This story contains references to physical and sexual violence.
Dark
Mysterious
Challenging
Contemplative
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
37,174 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviews for Ursula K. Le Guin's The Word for World is Forest highlight its powerful environmental and anti-colonial themes. Critics praise the rich, immersive world-building and profound philosophical explorations. However, some find the narrative pacing uneven and certain character portrayals simplistic. Overall, it's celebrated for its thought-provoking and timely message.
Who Should Read The Word for World is Forest?
Ideal for fans of thought-provoking science fiction, The Word for World is Forest by Ursula K. Le Guin appeals to readers interested in themes of environmentalism, colonialism, and human nature. Comparable to Dune by Frank Herbert and The Left Hand of Darkness by Le Guin herself, it captivates with its rich world-building and socio-political critique.
37,174 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Raj Lyubov
Raj Lyubov
An academic and friend to Selver, who studies the Athsheans' culture and questions the morality of human actions, influencing others through his anthropological work.
Selver
Selver
An Athshean who becomes a significant leader for his people, following tragic personal events, and is involved in resisting human colonization efforts on his planet.
192
Novella • Fiction
Planet Athshe • Futuristic
1972
Adult
15+ years
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