THE DISPOSSESSED

On an isolated planet of anarchists, one scientist decides to seek ways to unite his world with the rest of existence. He cuts himself off from family and friends, and travels to a utopian planet to find answers. Although it’s set in a science-fiction realm, LeGuin’s novel is really a meditation on capitalism, communism, anarchism, and individualism. The pace is very slow, and without much dialogue the story comes off as didactic. Narrator Don Leslie’s strong, deep voice causes all the characters to sound similar. Although the topics being explored are worthy of discussion, the narrator sounds so sonorous, and the overall tone of the writing is so preachy that the audio experience is less than ideal. G.D. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2011]