Science fiction · Classics
The Dispossessed
A gifted physicist from a poor, anarchist moon travels to its wealthy, capitalist twin planet to share a breakthrough. Alternating chapters tell of his earlier life at home and of his time as an outsider abroad.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1974
- Pace
- Slow
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 400
- Format
- Book 6 of 9 in Hainish Cycle
Read this if you like novels that weigh two different ways of living and are happy to be patient with ideas.
Skip this if you want fast action, as this is a slow, discussion-heavy book.
The feel
Content warnings
None noted yet.
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about The Dispossessed
- What is The Dispossessed about?
- A gifted physicist from a poor, anarchist moon travels to its wealthy, capitalist twin planet to share a breakthrough. Alternating chapters tell of his earlier life at home and of his time as an outsider abroad.
- Who should read The Dispossessed?
- Read it if you like novels that weigh two different ways of living and are happy to be patient with ideas. Skip it if you want fast action, as this is a slow, discussion-heavy book.
- How long and how fast is The Dispossessed?
- It is a slow-paced, medium read of about 400 pages, first published in 1974.
- Does The Dispossessed have content warnings?
- We have not noted any content warnings for this book yet.
- Can I borrow The Dispossessed for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Dispossessed; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after The Dispossessed?
- Readers who liked it often move on to The Left Hand of Darkness, Parable of the Sower, The Ministry for the Future.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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Because you might love it
If you loved The Dispossessed
-
The Left Hand of Darkness
Another Le Guin story of an outsider trying to understand a foreign society, with a stronger adventure.
-
Parable of the Sower A story about building a new community and a new belief, with a much more urgent mood.
-
The Ministry for the Future A newer, more practical attempt to imagine how a fairer world could actually come about.
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