Christine D. (christylisty) - , reviewed on 7/16/2017 + 45 more book reviews

I don't know how I missed this book when I was younger or how Ursula Le Guin had so much insight in 1969 into issues that have become so very poignant today, such as sexual identity and climate change. "The Left Hand of Darkness" is an exquisite work of imagination, philosophy, and science. It is the kind of work that could only flow from someone, such as Le Guin, whose father was an anthropologist and whose mother was a writer. It is the story of an envoy from 80 unique worlds who comes alone to see if a world on the cusp of something new --very likely, a war -- has an interest in taking a more enlightened path. The inhabitants of this world are vividly imagined as having the capacity to become male or female, providing a whole new backdrop for the examination of sexual stereotypes, morality, and friendship. This work of science fiction is worthy of the many awards it has received.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details