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The Left Hand of Darkness

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1969

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Book Brief

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Ursula K. Le Guin

The Left Hand of Darkness

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1969
Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Gethen • Far Future

Publication Year

1969

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15+ years

Lexile Level

970L

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.2

204,966 ratings

77%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Left Hand of Darkness?

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.

4.2

204,966 ratings

77%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Gethen • Far Future

Publication Year

1969

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15+ years

Lexile Level

970L

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