Ursula K. Le Guin The Telling

The Telling is a philosophical science fiction novel by Ursula K. Le Guin, concluding her famous Hainish Cycle.

The protagonist, Sutty, is a Terran sent to the planet Aka, where the government strictly suppresses ancient traditions and culture. In her search for forbidden knowledge, she meets locals who practice the secret art of storytelling—an ancient tradition of passing down wisdom through narratives.

As Sutty delves deeper into the world of Aka, she is confronted with profound questions about the power of words, the significance of history, and the value of spiritual heritage. The Telling is a meditation on the role of culture, memory, and oral storytelling in shaping both society and the individual.