The Dispossessed
Ursula Le Guin

Buy now Bookshop.org

Published: 1974

‘There was a wall. It did not look important – even a child could climb it. But the idea was real. Like all walls it was ambiguous, two-faced. What was inside it and what was outside it depended upon which side of it you were on…’

Shevek is brilliant scientist who is attempting to find a new theory of time – but there are those who are jealous of his work, and will do anything to block him. So he leaves his homeland, hoping to find a place of more liberty and tolerance. Initially feted, Shevek soon finds himself being used as a pawn in a deadly political game.

With powerful themes of freedom, society and the natural world’s influence on competition and co-operation, THE DISPOSSESSED is a true classic of the 20th century.

Newsletter

Love Books?

Join our 16 million-strong community of book lovers.

  • Get weekly book recommendations
  • Event news
  • Writing tips and inspiration
  • First-hand updates on the Prizes
  • Insider community updates & more

Your information will only be used to subscribe to the Women's Prize newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time.