BOOK BRIEF

The Telling

Ursula K. Le Guin
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The Telling

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003

Book Brief

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Ursula K. Le Guin

The Telling

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003
Book Details
Pages

231

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Planet Aka • Futuristic

Topic
Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In The Telling by Ursula K. Le Guin, a human observer named Sutty visits the planet Aka, where industrialization threatens the cultural and spiritual traditions of its people. Sutty navigates language barriers and societal changes to uncover stories of the past, highlighting the tension between modernization and cultural preservation.

Contemplative

Mysterious

Emotional

Nostalgic

Informative

Reviews & Readership

4.2

9,660 ratings

74%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Telling by Ursula K. Le Guin is celebrated for its thoughtful exploration of cultural assimilation, spirituality, and identity. Readers praise Le Guin's rich world-building and nuanced character development. However, some find the pacing slow and the plot less engaging than her other works. Overall, it's a compelling read for those appreciating introspective science fiction.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Telling?

A reader who enjoys The Telling by Ursula K. Le Guin likely appreciates thought-provoking, sociopolitical science fiction with rich world-building. They may also enjoy The Left Hand of Darkness by Le Guin and Dune by Frank Herbert. Fans of exploring cultural identity and philosophical themes will find it captivating.

4.2

9,660 ratings

74%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

The Telling is part of Ursula K. Le Guin's Hainish Cycle series, which explores themes of cultural anthropology and human connection across various planets.

Published in 2000, The Telling was the last novel Le Guin wrote for the Hainish Cycle, marking a contemplative conclusion to her exploration of diverse societies and ideologies.

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The novel won the Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel in 2001, adding to Le Guin's extensive accolades in the science fiction genre.

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Book Details
Pages

231

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Planet Aka • Futuristic

Topic
Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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