About the book: 2003 / New novel of the “Hayne Cycle”. The civilization of the planet Aka was not very developed technologically, but, with the help of the Earth, it was able to quickly rebuild its economy. However, scientific and technological progress from outside has come at a great cost to the Akan people. The heroine of the novel, Sati, one of only four non-Akan Observers on this planet, left Earth and the Ekumen to study the similarities between the totalitarian governments of the Yuns on Earth and the Corporation on Aka. She soon discovers that during her journey to Aka, the planet's new regime has completely suppressed all traditional cultures in all regions of Aka. Not only were various religious and philosophical systems expelled, books and libraries destroyed, but even the diversity of dialects was considered anti-state. Sati unexpectedly turns out to be almost the only creature on the planet who can read the language in which texts were created just one generation of Akans ago. But outside the big cities, the Maz Interpreters are trying to preserve the ancient culture of their people. Most of the novel “The Telling” consists of the author’s speech, with a relatively small share of active action, and even the necessary events in it most often occur “behind the scenes”. Thanks to Le Guin's excellent knowledge of anthropology, she managed to build a full-fledged, extremely interesting society that can withstand analysis on several levels, even if it seems outwardly very simple. Awards: “Locus” - 2001, “Endeavour Award” - 2001 (shared 1st place) ; nominated for Seiun - 2003; Editions: 2003, 2008.