Reviews tagging 'Suicide'

The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin

1 review

eep's review against another edition

adventurous reflective medium-paced

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

4.5

This is an absolutely amazing and insightful book! The point of view and time variations every other chapter make the story very lively, especially reaching the end of the book. Many scenes were emotional, and I really enjoyed the way Le Guin gave detailed descriptions of the moral dilemmas and philosophy of not only Shevek, but also the communit(y/ies) of Anarres and Urras. I think for the full affect, historical knowledge of feminism in the 1970s is helpful. There is also a scene that graphically depicts sexual assault at the very end of the party in Chapter 7. It is extremely difficult to think of Shevek as a 'likeable' or 'good' character after that and, despite this, the assault is never mentioned again. This reflection is due to a modern point of view though, and Le Guin's intention was in no way a support of Shevek's actions; she was attempting to show the moral corruption caused by the social and political systems on Urras, that managed to even infiltrate an anarchist such as Shevek. Overall, however, I think this is an important piece of feminist sci-fi of course, and I love the imagery and philosophy Le Guin describes.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault, Violence, Misogyny, Classism, and Sexism

Moderate: Abandonment, Death, Murder, War, Gun violence, and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Alcohol, Vomit, and Suicide

As for content warnings, they are listed above. Specifically (TW!):

Urras is very misogynistic and classist, and Shevek sexually assaults Vea, an Urrasti woman. This is described in detail. Women on Urras cannot work and are essentially a 50s housewife. This is described in detail too. Additionally, (though I could not find a content warning for this) consensual sex is described multiple other times throughout the book, but they are typically just a paragraph or so. At the end of the book (I believe Chapters 9 and 10), insurrection occurs on Urras which results in explicit gun violence committed by the government. This violence results in Shevek hiding out for three whole days alongside a man who had his fingers shot off, and his hand is described with detail for a paragraph or so as well as the grief felt by Shevek. This man dies of blood loss on the final day. I found the descriptions of Shevek's sadness and the man's despair somewhat disturbing (although they have great purpose I believe), and if you are not in an okay mindset it may be difficult. During the party scene in Chapter 7, alcohol is consumed and I believe here and at other points characters vomit. I hope this is helpful! Happy reading!