The Left Hand of Darkness: 50th Anniversary Edition

Book Info: Genre: Science FictionReading Level: AdultRecommended for: Anyone, especially those interested in gender roles.Please Note: I picked up a used copy of this after reading Nataliya's review on Goodreads. A opinions are my own.Synopsis: Genly Ai is an emissary from the human galaxy to Winter, a lost, stray world. His mission is to bring the planet back into the fold of an evolving galactic civilization, but to do so he must bridge the gulf between his own culture and prejudices and those that he encounters. On a planet where people are of no gender - or both - this is a broad gulf indeed. The inventiveness and delicacy with which Le Guin portrays her alien world are not only unusual and inspiring, they are fundamental to almost all decent science fiction that has been written since. In fact, reading Le Guin again may cause the eye to narrow somewhat disapprovingly at the younger generation: what new ground are they breaking that is not already explored here with greater skill and acumen? It cannot be said, however, that this is a rollicking good story. Le Guin takes a lot of time to explore her characters, the world of her creation, and the philosophical themes that arise.My Thoughts: This book is part of a series by Le Guin called the Hainish Cycle; these books can be read interdependently of one another.In the introduction to this book, the author says, "Science fiction is often described, and even defined, as extrapolative. The science fiction writer is supposed to take a trend or phenomenon of the here-and-now, purify and intensify it for dramatic effect, and extend it into the future... a prediction is made. Method and results much resemble those of a scientist... the outcome seems almost inevitably to be cancer... somewhere between the gradual extinction of human liberty and the total extinction of terrestrial life... Almost anything carried to its logical extreme becomes depressing, if not carcinogenic." Her point is that she is telling a story, not extrapolating into the future - and she tells a story very well.Genly Ai is a fascinating character; he's so incredibly biased, but tries to maintain a presence among the people on Winter without letting them know how he really feels; watching him grow and change through the course of the book was a wonderful experience. On the other hand, I'm also fascinated by the King of Karhide who, upon learning there were thousands of other civilizations out there, instead of considering that his people were the odd ones, rather claims that they were the only normal ones and all those thousands of civilizations were full of aberrations and perverts. It's a fascinating study on how people consider themselves and only themselves to be the norm.I do wish some form of gender-neutral terminology had been created for this book. Having Genly call everyone "he" even if he considers some of them feminine is distracting. However, this is not, I am fairly certain, something that was really even considered when this book was written (1969) and it was probably quite a shocking and groundbreaking idea at the time."Consider: Anyone can turn his hand to anything... The fact that everyone between seventeen and thirty-five or so is liable to be (as Nim put it) `tied down to childbearing,' implies that no one is quite so thoroughly `tied down' here as women elsewhere are likely to be... burden and privilege are shared out pretty equally, everybody has the same risk to run or choice to make. therefore nobody here is quite so free as a free male anywhere else." A fascinating thought, and one that is dealt with in only an ancillary way throughout the course of the book, as are all other ideas being expressed by this text.Definitely an interesting book, a great story, wonderful world-building. I'm very happy that I was introduced to this book and took the chance to grab a copy when I had a gift certificate. I think this is an important book that should be study in gender-study classes at the university level; I think it is a book most everyone should read and spend some time thinking about.

Let me preface this review by saying I went into this book blind. I haven’t read anything by the author previously, but this book is mentioned and recommended often enough in some of the reader groups I follow that I thought I’d check it out. I like most science fiction, so it seemed like a good pick.Originally published in 1969, the writing is definitely indicative of its era. It is at times very dense with a tendency to throw an overwhelming amount of information at the reader (not quite to the same level as say, Tolkien, but it’s not far behind.) The writing style itself is what I’ve come to expect from books written at the time; even though it’s written in first-person, there is a distinct level of detachment between the reader and the characters.But the story itself was fascinating. The man character is Genly Ai, an Envoy sent to a world his people have called “Winter” with the hopes of incorporating the planet and its people into a trade network spanning eighty-three other worlds. He’s mired in politics from the start, and struggles to understand the motives and subtleties that drive Winter’s government officials.All of the eighty-three worlds (or eighty-four, if you count Winter) are the home to some variety of human. There is some discussion about how that came to be, with hints at genetic experimentation long ago that may have created some of the human species. Genly Ai seems to be from our Earth (though it’s referred to as Terra more often than not.) The people of Winter are similar in form, but are a distinctly different species, and an anomaly when compared with the other eighty-three in terms of gender and reproduction. Their genetics and biochemistry was fascinating when it was discussed (but I’ve always had an interest in that stuff.)There were two predominant factions (or Hearths) on Winter. Karhide was based on the monarchy system of government, replete with court intrigue and subterfuge. It was common for Karhiders to talk around a subject, neither lying nor coming to the truth. Orgoreyn seemed to be based off a true communist state, where the government found employment for everyone and ensured they had a place, but there was no single person in charge of making decisions. The people of Orgoreyn seemed happy on the surface, but they were often kept in ignorance of the events going on around them, as news and communications were strictly controlled.Beyond all of that, this was at its core a story of finding true friendship despite the major differences between Genly Ai and the man who ultimately becomes his closest acquaintance on Winter. It’s a story of overcoming those differences and seeing the other person as they are. It’s a story of acceptance—across worlds, across cultures, across political divides.I can see why this book was considered so groundbreaking at the time of its publication. While this isn’t a new book, I believe much of it is still relevant today.If you haven't read The Left Hand of Darkness and enjoy science fiction, I recommend you give this book a try.

My introduction to Ursula K. Le Guin was in a college lit class where“The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” was on the syllabus. That short story touched me profoundly and I’ve read it many times through the years. Despite that, I’ve never dove further into her œuvre simply because I’m not a sci-fi fan and that was her lane.But I read an article this year that referenced her 1969 novel The Left Hand of Darkness and it intrigued me, especially the fact that it’s become an “early seminal text” for the LGBT community. So glad I put aside my hesitation for science fiction and read this book. Le Guin’s writing is so incredibly descriptive. She places the reader perfectly on the harsh planet of Gethen where she spins quite the tale.The plot involves Genly Ai, an envoy from a group of other planets who has visited Gethen in hopes of convincing the leaders on that planet to join his federation (The Ekumen). Ai is assisted in his quest by Therem Harth rem ir Estraven (side note, one of the things I dislike about sci-fi is all the crazy names) who is an advisor to King Argaven before a spectacular fall from grace.The reason this book is so revered among the LGBT community is a quirk of the people on Gethen. They are nonbinary most of the time, except for a few days ever month when their sexual organs emerge and they get hot and horny for some action. This is called “kemmering” and the best part is, you never know from one month to the next if you’ll be a male or female in your next kemmer. Indeed when King Argaven gets pregnant it throws the whole idea of sexual identity and gender roles out the window.At the heart of this book is the relationship between Ai and Estraven. It evolves slowly, from mistrust to respect to friendship and even includes a bit of sexual tension when Estraven kemmers while the two of them are in a tent (like the pregnant king, that’s another reminder that we’re not in Kansas anymore).I loved this book. It forced me to reconsider things like patriotism and sexuality and societal norms. But it was also a gripping novel with a sad yet satisfying ending.I may never be a sci-fi fan but I will dig deeper into Le Guin’s works. She’s two for two in my book.

‘I asked if these two psychopaths could not be cured. “Cured?” Goss said. “Would you cure a singer of his voice?”’ (p66)While I always enjoy high quality science fiction, I read this book largely as a matter of cultural literacy. Folks say this is an important, historic work. My experience validates that it is – and that’s an understatement. For some reason, though, I expected that I’d have to fight the book – wrestle with it – to make sense of a tangled, impenetrable, quirky work of art. That was not the case. Le Guin’s calm, penetrating prose, her sharp, understated commentary, and the compelling story made this book a pleasure to read. When it hit the streets in 1969 it was both ahead of its time and sensationally timely. Now, nearly sixty years later, it’s clear this book is also timeless.Of course her treatment of unconventional sexual physiology, together with its social and psychological implications, is arguably this novel’s most famous feature. And yes -- all that is as fascinating and weighty as I knew it would be. But Le Guin casts a much wider net; she left me breathless with the depth and range of her insights on just about every aspect of social norms and what it means to be human.Assuming you have the fiftieth anniversary edition, be sure to read the intro by David (“Cloud Atlas”) Mitchell, and the author’s own opening note. They are both spectacular. Once you’ve read the novel itself, I also suggest that you take the time to read Charlie Jane Anders’ afterward. Together, the three commentaries will contribute substantially toward your understanding and appreciation of this extraordinary novel.If this book moves you, check out Mary Doria Russell’s “The Sparrow”, and its sequel, “Children of God”.

Rating: ⭐ 3.5/5 StarsAdd one star for Character Development.Add one star for World Building.Add one star for being an Ace Built Society with depth in thought (Over and above criteria)Add half star for plot/story.No star added for enjoyment.Let's start with the good things.I can see why it is considered a classic for the LGBT+ community. The descriptions and the theory behind a near sexless society was rather intriguing to learn. It was well thought out and the confusion of the main character through most of the novel definitely reflects how many people in modern day society feels about these "Sexless" individuals. Our society consistently thinks Sex defines everything from interest to relationships which is entirely not true. For that, I added one star to the rating. It definitely challenges the reader with the idea of how society would naturally function without the basis of sex behind every corner.The world building was fantastic. There were small pieces of lore that broke up any droll, long strung chapters, resetting the reader when doing so. It helped pace the chapters a bit better. Winter is definitely a wasteland that is harsh and forces those who live on it to depend on each other and general human kindness when it is thought to be non-existent on a cold, isolated world. You could feel the winds and the bitter cold in every chapter with the precise and decisive descriptions. I liked the world and the politics of each country. They each had their own short comings and that was explored many times in this novel. I honestly cannot tell which society would be a better choice since both had equal and opposite evils.Another star was added for the character building. The main character struggled the entire time just trying to understand those around him and determine who was actually his ally, when his true friend was guiding him the whole time. My favorite character is Estroven. He is well fleshed out and a very complicated character in his simplicity. The way he thinks and the way he approaches things are right on par with how I see myself handling a similar situation. His story is both a sad and heartfelt one. He is definitely included as one of my top favorite characters.The plot was straightforward and made sense but was very confusing on the way there; hence, being given the half star. I understand looking at this from a confused prideful man's prospective, but the way it was developed and written definitely did not make it enjoyable. This leads to my last point.No stars were added for enjoyment. This book was HARD to read and HARD to really get into. I had to push my way through the ENTIRE book except for a small part on the cross country journey because I love it when characters communicate and bond. I don't know if it was the writing or how it was broken up along the novel, but it was DEFINITELY a CHORE. Since this book was considered a classic for the Ace community, I wanted to do my 'do diligence' and actually finish the book. I had to get the audiobook just to power through right to the end. What was the most confusing aspect was that everyone was defined as a "He" when I didn't know what they were. It made me so confused that it took out any pleasure I had of reading and wrung it out. I understand it is an old book so I am giving it a pass for this. But, that choice of defining an entire race as "He" instead of "They", since they were no gender for most of the year and can switch genders when in kemmering, REALLY messed me up.In the end, I would recommend getting the audiobook with the text in order to get through the roughness of the book's flow. It is a good book to broaden your prospective; however, it isn't one for enjoyment.

Most speculative fiction doesn't stand the test of time - most science fiction is firmly rooted in the copyright date of publication.This book is no exception, and as Neil Gaiman points out in his excellent introduction, that might not be important.If you peel away the esoteric names, complex culture, and withering cold of the planet Winter, we're clearly on Earth. The writerly disguise is thin. But there's a wrinkle: People on Winter have no defined gender, except briefly during 'kemmer', when they assume a female or male sexual identity to mate. How does that change things? How does it make our Earthborn protagonist, Ai, question his own identity?The novel asks these questions while still propelling a plot and building complex characters. It has moments of real grandeur and insight, and moments when it feels overlong and overwrought.But the book is worlds better than most SF I've read.

What an imaginative world and imaginative characters that we truly care about in all their strengths and weaknesses. Wonderful book!

Deeply engaging, deeply compelling, and a beautiful return to Le Guin after many years. Her Earthsea books were ones I enjoyed, but ones that I maintain I read at the wrong time. It has always been my intention to return to them, but not before delving into some of her science-fiction—for which she is often lauded—and after my experience with The Left Hand of Darkness I can certainly see why.The Left Hand of Darkness is a sci-fi novel that values ideas, emotions, and conversations, over things like action, intrigue, or excitement; though it has all of those too. Le Guin is a master in voice, tone-setting, atmosphere, and she displays that here, on the alien world of Gethen (Winter, colloquially) through the Ekumen's envoy, Genly Ai. We explore a new world through his eyes. An alien world through the eyes of an alien, and when that sort of thing is done right (building a world through context, and experience) it really lands for me. The culture clash. The learning about something or someone utterly unlike yourself. And I think that's it's not just done 'right' here, but perfectly. The novel is explorative in many ways, though. Le Guin was far ahead of her time here, I think, exploring gender roles through the sexual physiology on Gethen. And the experience of becoming enmeshed in a new way of thinking, on a new planet, is one that envelops the reader at the same time that it envelops Genly.

Une amie m'a recommandé ce livre, et je ne regrette pas l'achat. Super bien écrit, personnages et univers très intéressants, et une intrigue bien menée... il y a une petite touche Star Trek (TOS/TNG) si vous aimez ça aussi. 10/10

Ursula Le Guin is the boss of science fiction. This and Dispossessed are my most prized science fiction books of all time. She is the master and all else pale.A good book has a great story line that is built as you read and uses the Greek heroic forms, but a great book teaches us things and leaves us a different person because of our experience of reading. The Left hand of Darkness is not a new book and others have written in a similar vein - see Glory Seasons from David Brin so if you have read them LHOD doesn't have the same impact but when it first came out it was startling.I have been reading the LHOD for over 20 years and go back to it every few years. It does take a while to build so you have to get to page 80 before things become clear - there is a lot of world building to get through...It is not relevant to offer a synopsis as the machinations are relatively unimportant - a bit like James Cameron's Avatar Pretend blue guy meets real blue woman and after a few bad patches becomes good friend - it is the alien people in an alien world that asks you to suspend your assumptions and learn a new way of dealing with the world. This is a book that gets you to explore who you are. It is a story write not so much with words but emotions, values and beliefs.Yes it is a work of mastery.

Estupendo

Ursula K LeGuin is one of the greatest among the likes of Philip K Dick, Arthur C Clarke, Isaac Asymov... I remember seeing the film Avatar and how much it reminded me of "The Word for World is Forest", another touching work from LeGuin. With "The Left Hand of Darkness" LeGuin opens our hearts and minds about pressing themes like gender, love, loyalty. Great works stay with us much longer after the last page. This one will stay with me forever.

My first book from Ursula K. Le Guin and I absolutely loved it. She is able to tell the story that transports you to a different world that feels lived-in and real. The pacing is great, in just 300 pages an epic story unfolds. I definitely am going to read more of her works.The only thing I didn't like about this edition was the foreword and afterword. The foreword was nicely written but did contain mild spoilers which I would've preferred to avoid personally. The afterword sounded quite judgemental about certain aspects of the book which I did not fully agree with and wish it wasn't the closing note.