Ursula K. Le Guin – The Telling 2017 Turkish Book Turkey
Ursula K. Le Guin – Anlatış (The Telling) – 2017 İthaki Yayınları Edition
Description:
This book, titled Anlatış (The Telling), was written by Ursula K. Le Guin and published in Turkish by İthaki Yayınları in 2017. It is part of the Hainish Cycle, Le Guin’s interconnected body of works exploring diverse human cultures across different planets.
The novel follows Sutty, an envoy of the Ekumen, who is sent to the planet Aka. Upon arrival, she discovers a society that has undergone a radical transformation: traditional cultural practices, beliefs, and narratives—collectively known as “the Telling”—have been systematically suppressed by a centralized, authoritarian state focused on rapid modernization and control.
As Sutty investigates the remnants of this forbidden cultural system, she uncovers a rich tradition of storytelling, philosophy, and communal knowledge that once formed the foundation of the planet’s identity. Her journey becomes both an anthropological exploration and a personal search for meaning, as she navigates the tension between enforced progress and cultural memory.
Le Guin uses the contrast between the old traditions and the new regime to explore themes of cultural erasure, resistance, and the preservation of knowledge. The novel reflects on how societies define progress and what may be lost when historical and spiritual traditions are abandoned or actively destroyed.
Stylistically, the work emphasizes observation, reflection, and gradual revelation rather than action-driven plot. It continues Le Guin’s characteristic focus on anthropology, language, and the diversity of human experience across different social systems.
As part of the Hainish Cycle, Anlatış contributes to the broader thematic exploration of communication, culture, and the interaction between civilizations. It stands as a contemplative and politically resonant entry in the series.
For collectors, this Turkish edition represents a modern publication of one of Le Guin’s later science fiction works. Its thematic depth and connection to the Hainish Cycle make it a valuable addition to any speculative fiction collection.
Key Features:
• Title: Anlatış (The Telling)
• Author: Ursula K. Le Guin
• Series: Hainish Cycle
• Publisher: İthaki Yayınları
• PublicationYear: 2017
• Language: Turkish
• Genre: Science fiction; philosophical fiction
• Main Character: Sutty
• Setting: Planet Aka
• Core Concept: Suppression and rediscovery of cultural traditions (“the Telling”)
• Themes: Cultural memory; censorship; identity; resistance; progress vs tradition
• Narrative Style: Reflective; anthropological; character-driven
• Series Role: Later entry in the Hainish Cycle
• Collector Appeal: Turkish edition of a thematically rich late-period Le Guin novel