Reviews

• Functional Socialism, Warts & All

  If you're wondering what a functional socialism (or even communism) might look like, there is no better book than this one, no better imagination than Le Guin's. It is by no means utopian, but it does describe an honest, realistic version of a shared, distributed political economy. It is not easy or even comfortable for all, but the joys and challenges are spread out horizontally, not vertically, at least not for the most part. Le Guin pairs this socialist world with a capitalist one, so the lessons of comparison are plain to see. Of course, unlike a textbookish, theoretical discourse, Le Guin uses fiction to make it come alive, to help the reader feel the pros and cons of both ways of life.

• What does a fence- or a wall- include? What does it exclude?

  This is one of my favorite novels, and now I have a hardcover of it! It starts with the idea of a fence, and what such a fence includes and what it excludes… and extends to what is power, and who has it and why… but that oversimplifies, since it is entirely done in story, and no pontificating (unlike most utopias/dystopias). It’s gentle, but makes one think- and every time i have re-read it over the decades, I’ve gotten more from it. HIGHLY recommended, even (especially?) if you hate utopian/dystopian fiction- this is NOT that. I love it.

• Good quality

  I like the condition of the book its original cover.

• The book is great! Problem with quality of edition received.

  This product is not the edition pictured here. I was expecting a quality paperback and received a smaller, low grade edition. Too difficult for me to read (small print). Bummed. Really want to read this book.

• RIP Le Guin

  One of my favorite books. Le Guin was a giant.

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