There's no question that Le Guin is a master at using science fiction to explore real world social and interpersonal dynamics, philosophies and systems. The Dispossessed is no exception, though I didn't find it grabbed me emotionally as much as [b:The Left Hand of Darkness|18423|The Left Hand of Darkness|Ursula K. Le Guin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1488213612l/18423._SY75_.jpg|817527]. In The Dispossessed a physicist, Shevek, from an anarchist world, goes to the neighbouring capitalist world to study and hopefully promote understanding between the two peoples. The book alternates chapters between Shevek's past on his homeworld and his attempts to navigate the new society he finds himself in. We get to see the complex dynamics of both societies and how Shevek influences, and is influenced by, each. There are big philosophical themes at play about the extent one has the right to pursue individual fulfillment ahead of the common good, and the reasons we pursue knowledge. And there are some very quotable lines on these themes, particularly near the end of the book.

I'm not sure how I felt about the book from a feminist perspective. I know Le Guin has pretty impeccable feminist credentials but I read that some feminists have taken issue with this particular book. Certainly it centres a man's perspective and the women in the book are fairly peripheral. I don't for a minute think Le Guin was sympathizing with the gender inequality in the capitalist society, but the she writes about women who justify the inequality, and the way that Shevek objectifies some women characters, left me perturbed.

Overall this book is well worth the read as a sci-fi classic that raises big questions and explores dynamics that are still relevant in our world today.