Shevek

Shevek is a physicist who lives on a planet settled by the members of a revolution. On Shevek’s planet, there is no government, no economic system, no laws or rules. Everyone is free to take what they need from the makers or manufacturers. Everyone is free to study what they want and do the jobs they enjoy most. Everyone is free to choose who they have intimate relations with and who they take as partners.

Shevek has some radical ideas in his work as a physicist. When Shevek discovers that his ideas are far beyond the understanding of the people on Anarres and that there are scientists on Urras, the neighboring planet, he wants to speak to those scientists. However, this right is closely guarded by his professor and the syndicate that controls these communications. Shevek is then sent away from his partner when he tries to...