The Word for World is Forest

By Ursula K. Le Guin

The Word for World is Forest - Ursula K. Le Guin
  • Release Date: 2010-07-06
  • Genre: Adventure Sci-Fi
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 130 Ratings

Description

The award-winning masterpiece by one of today's most honored writers, Ursula K. Le Guin!

The Word for World is Forest

When the inhabitants of a peaceful world are conquered by the bloodthirsty yumens, their existence is irrevocably altered. Forced into servitude, the Athsheans find themselves at the mercy of their brutal masters.

Desperation causes the Athsheans, led by Selver, to retaliate against their captors, abandoning their strictures against violence. But in defending their lives, they have endangered the very foundations of their society. For every blow against the invaders is a blow to the humanity of the Athsheans. And once the killing starts, there is no turning back.

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Reviews

  • Out of print but wonderful

    3
    By OriginalPC
    This is one of the Hainish Cycle that includes "Left Hand of Darkness". It propounds a human question and reveals Selver who redeems his species.
  • Beautiful

    5
    By Jeff the Olson
    Le Guin balances the three narrative points of view masterfully; the reader swings from despairing to disgusted to heartbroken at the turn of a page. A brilliant read that offers commentary on nationalism, consumerism, and ecological irresponsibility. Le Guin isn't heavy-handed in her handling of these issues - just bleakly honest. (For those of you keeping score, Le Guin's story is indeed cast in the mold of Orson Scott Card's Speaker For The Dead. I would submit that the other has a stronger plot and more complex characters, but that this has much clearer narrative voice. Please do yourself the favor of reading both.)
  • Great

    5
    By Robinwilde
    I love the way she takes a previous story and integrates it into a great new fantasy/social dilemma. She is a genius at challenging ones beliefs and ideas while entertaining. Bravo.