The Dispossessed

Shevek is a physicist who is trying to do an almost-impossible thing: to unite two worlds separated by completely different philosophies of life. One world is that of the home planet, Urras, a planet that is dominated by the ideas of capitalism and private property and individualism. The other world is the breakaway world, the moon of Urras, the world called Anarres, the place where Shevek grew up, and a world that is dominated by ideas of the common good and sharing with others and being part of a group. Both worlds, we soon see, have their strengths and weaknesses, and, within Shevek, an idea grows to bring the worlds together.

Alternating chapters tell of Shevek's life from childhood with his mission on Urras.

This is a rich and thoughtful read. I don't think that I can adequately talk about this book after a single read-through, and it's a book that deserves a second read and a comprehensive discussion with other knowledgable readers. I hope that I will be able to do these things some time in the future.