The Word for World Is Forest

By: Ursula K. Le Guin

Narrated by: John Skelley

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.

"Le Guin writes with painstaking intelligence. Her characters are complex and haunting, and her writing is remarkable for its sinewy grace."—TIME magazine

©1972 Ursula K. Le Guin (P)2024 Recorded Books

Unique Narrative

One of Le Guin’s shorter works, but it packs a punch. It feels longer than it actually is, and is engaging the whole way through. As ever, she wastes no words. And the story (probably) does not follow the path that you will expect it to take. At the beginning, you will think you know what it is about, and you will be both right and wrong at the same time.

Also excellent narration. Very expressive and full of character without being over the top.

A Five star book that I didn’t like

I rated this story five stars because it was very well written and engaging, the fact that I didn’t enjoy it is besides the point. It was gripping, but just the fact that there could be a future like this where slavery and rampant racism might still exist is really disturbing. I hope deep in my heart that we don’t allow this to be the case but knowing humans and their propensity for greed and lack of compassion for others it’s quite possible that it will be. Therefore, I feel it’s a good book worth reading if just to remind you and Me about the kind of future we may have we’re not better people by then.

Still relevant

I have read this novel a few times and now listen to it, it’s a painful tale of greed and violence, but also of community and exchange, how two different natures change each other irrevocably.

Philosophy of the heart

This novella is the opposite of an easy read in a very good way. Challenging at every step. Pushing you through to conlcusions that change the way you approach ethics, friendship, loyalty, human nature, and impossible qualities.

Planet of the Apes

Best dream yoga instructional tape/Vietnam war movie ever written. Slick dichotomy between resistance experiences and colonial narratives. 7/5