The Principle of Simultaneity is a scientific breakthrough which will revolutionize interstellar civilization by making possible instantaneous communication. It is the life work of Shevek, a brilliant physicist from the arid anarchist world of Anarres. But Shevek's work is being stifled by jealous colleagues, so he travels to Anarres's sister-planet Urras, hoping to find more liberty and tolerance there. But he soon finds himself being used as a pawn in a deadly political game.
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(@orionbooks, 12 August 1999, first published May 1974, 336 pages, paperback, bought from @AmazonUK, set text for @OpenUniversity course)
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I didn't expect to enjoy this book. I'm not a huge fan of science fiction. There are specific types I enjoy and those I tend to avoid. I generally dislike science fiction set on distant planets because in my experience I struggle to relate to the characters or their situation. Le Guin writes the type of science fiction I tend to dislike. I read her The Left Hand of Darkness considered a masterpiece a few years ago and really didn't like it. So imagine my surprise when I found myself really enjoying this book. It's book six in a cycle. I've never read the other books. I have no idea if you're better off reading the rest of the cycle first but I didn't feel like I'd started in the middle of something nor had big chunks I didn't understand. Though apparently, The Left Hand of Darkness is part of this cycle. So what do I know? All I know is that I enjoyed this book. Shevek is a fantastic character, totally believable. The world building is excellent and I totally bought into it. I may have to read some more Le Guin as it seems my initial impressions are no longer accurate. Maybe studying an English Literature course has opened my eyes a little?
