The Left Hand of Darkness (Ursula Le Guin)

24 April 2013

The Left Hand of Darkness

Winter is an Earth-like planet with two major differences: conditions are semi arctic even at the warmest time of the year, and the inhabitants are all of the same sex. Tucked away in a remote corner of the universe, they have no knowledge of space travel or of life beyond their own world. And when a strange envoy from space brings news of a vast coalition of planets which they are invited to join, he is met with fear, mistrust and disbelief...

'The Left Hand of Darkness' is a groundbreaking work of feminist science fiction, an imaginative masterpiece which poses challenging questions about sexuality, sexism and the organisation of society.

Average Rating:

Marc Reynolds (25 April 2013 08:48)

very interesting non-gendered society that would have been radical commentary on the society of the late 50s when it was written, but has slightly less impact in our more enlightened times. Le Guin still has a masterful turn of phrase and excellent world building however! Definitely worth getting hold of!