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The Left Hand of Darkness

A groundbreaking feminist literary masterpiece
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( 212,756 ratings, 19,677 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Left Hand of Darkness is a groundbreaking work of science fiction by Ursula K. Le Guin. It follows a human ambassador, Genly Ai, as he navigates the complex society of the planet Gethen, where the inhabitants can change gender. The novel explores themes of gender and communication while Ai forges a critical alliance with a Gethenian native to achieve his mission of integrating their world into a larger intergalactic community.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're intrigued by complex explorations of gender and society set in an imaginative sci-fi universe. Ursula K. Le Guin weaves a rich narrative about an envoy to a unique planet where inhabitants have no fixed gender, challenging traditional perspectives and offering profound insights into humanity and identity. If you enjoy thought-provoking stories with deep cultural world-building and philosophical undertones, you'll likely find this work captivating.

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The Left Hand of Darkness

A literary masterpiece from one of the great writers of our time: 'Ursula Le Guin is a chemist of the heart' David Mitchell

The Hugo and Nebula Award-winning masterpiece from one of the all-time greats of Science Fiction.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

'A rich and complex story of friendship and love' GUARDIAN

'Love doesn't just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread; remade all the time, made new.'

Two people, until recently strangers, find themselves on a long, tortuous and dangerous journey across the ice. One is an outcast, forced to leave his beloved homeland; the other is fleeing from a different kind of persecution. What they have in common is curiosity, about others and themselves, and an almost unshakeable belief that the world can be a better place.

As they journey for over 800 miles, across the harshest, most inhospitable landscape, they discover the true meaning of friendship, and of love.

Readers love The Left Hand of Darkness:

'This book overwhelmed me with how good it was, and how different it ended up from what I expected . . . a deep story of humanity, love, betrayal, alienation, and acceptance' β€” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'The world is so rich in detail that it becomes an adventure to explore it, and the nuanced character dynamics keep the pages turning . . . a fabulous exploration of fluid gender and sexuality' β€” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'This novel is just the right balance of nuance, world-building and philosophical musings that culminate into a staggeringly empathetic work . . . a great work of feminism' β€” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'A masterful and visionary story, one of the most beautiful SF novels I have read' β€” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'A landmark in the field of science fiction literature . . . This is a story about loneliness and need for closeness as well' β€” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'Ursula K. Le Guin asks, what if gender were not fixed, but serially changeable? . . . The Left Hand of Darkness is a book about journeys, both literal and metaphorical. It is that rare and precious thing: an original and mind-opening book' β€” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Series: S.F. Masterworks

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Left Hand of Darkness is praised for its originality and intricate storytelling, combining clarity of thought with rich and haunting narratives. It is celebrated as a graceful and accomplished work that balances lyricism with realism. The novel is considered a masterpiece in science fiction, recognised for its depth, impact, and a unique love story comparable to the best in the genre.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781473221628

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 13 April 2017

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Gollancz

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 238g

Pages: 336

About the Author

Ursula K. Le Guin is one of the finest writers of our time. Her books have attracted millions of devoted readers and won many awards, including the National Book Award, the Hugo and Nebula Awards and a Newbery Honor. Among her novels, The Left Hand of Darkness, The Dispossessed and the six books of Earthsea have attained undisputed classic status; and her recent series, the Annals of the Western Shore, has won her the PEN Center USA Children's literature award and the Nebula Award for best novel. In 2014 Ursula Le Guin was awarded the National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. She lived in Portland, Oregon, until she passed away in January 2018.

Read more at http://sf-encyclopedia.com/entry/le_guin_ursula_k

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