The Word for World Is Forest by Ursula K. Le Guin

On the distant world of Athshe, a peaceful society is pushed to the brink by human colonisation.

The Word for World Is Forest is Ursula K. Le Guin’s Hugo Award-winning novella, set in the Hainish universe. The Athsheans live in close relationship with their forest world until the arrival of the Terran “yumens”, who exploit the planet for its timber and force its people into servitude.

As the violence of the colonists escalates, Athshean leader Selver becomes the catalyst for resistance. His people must confront an agonising question: how can they defend their lives without destroying the values that define their society?

First published in 1972 and awarded the 1973 Hugo Award for Best Novella, this powerful work explores colonialism, environmental destruction, violence, cultural conflict and the consequences of treating another people as less than human.

Perfect for readers who love:

• Science fiction with social and political themes
• Ursula K. Le Guin and the Hainish universe
• Environmental and anti-colonial fiction
• Thought-provoking speculative literature
• Short, powerful works of classic science fiction