42 pages • 1 hour read
Ursula K. Le GuinA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
304
Novel • Fiction
Gethen • Far Future
1969
Adult
15+ years
970L
In The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin, Genly Ai, an ambassador from the Ekumen, arrives on the planet Gethen to convince its inhabitants to join the confederacy. Genly struggles to understand the genderless Gethenians and faces political intrigue and extreme climate conditions. Estraven, a Gethenian, becomes his ally, and together they embark on a perilous journey, forming a deep bond. The novel explores themes of gender, communication, and cultural differences. The book includes instances of death by suicide and discussions of sexual violence.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Fantastical
Melancholic
Challenging
204,966 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin is often praised for its rich world-building and exploration of complex themes such as gender and politics. Readers appreciate its innovative narrative and poetic prose. However, some criticize its dense exposition and slow pacing. The novel remains a thought-provoking, genre-defining work in science fiction.
A reader who enjoys digging deep into gender roles, political intrigue, and rich world-building will find The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin compelling. Fans of Dune by Frank Herbert and The Dispossessed by Le Guin herself will appreciate the complex characters and thought-provoking themes.
204,966 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
304
Novel • Fiction
Gethen • Far Future
1969
Adult
15+ years
970L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.