31 pages • 1 hour read
Ursula K. Le GuinThe Word for World is Forest
Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1972A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.