One of my favorite quotes from this book comes from the introduction of the 50th anniversary edition. The author, Ursula K. Le Guin, said,” Science Fiction is a metaphor.” Indeed, the world inside this book is entirely a metaphor. The first few chapters are not easy to read. The book starts to make sense when the author delves into detail about the Gethenians’ sexuality in Chapter 7. The Afterword by Charlie Jane Anders is also insightful. It made me view gender in a different light. I see why this book is great for gender studies and discussions.

Synoposis

Genly Ai is sent to a planet called Gethen, also known as Winter. His job is to convince the inhabitants to join an intergalactic civilization. There, he faces resistance, obstacles, and challenges from the inhabitants. They don’t understand why their planet is in danger from outside threats. With the help of Estraven, a powerful and influential lord, Genly Ai finally understands Gethenian’s worldview.

The Concept Is Interesting

I find it ironic that I went into this book because I don’t read enough books by female authors. It’s as if I have already assigned myself some stereotypical views on what I know about gender. Ursula K. Le Guin is far from typical. The way she tells the story in the Left Hand of Darkness is methodical and scientific. The story is so factual that it sounds plausible. I believe the author was building her story around a question: Have we considered what we think to be true is not influenced by the narrative of our physiology?

“Truth is a matter of the imagination. The soundest fact may fail or prevail in the style of its telling…” –Chapter 1

In this book, the author presents a concept where people experience a unique biological cycle called kemmer on an imaginary planet called Gethen. The inhabitants can shift from male to female, which make them ambisexual. It takes an insider (Estraven) to betray one’s kind to convince an entire planet to accept Genly Ai’s proposal. I can’t say, though, I enjoyed her writing style. It’s creative but not artistic.

Final Thoughts

The Left Hand of Darkness is a dense read despite only being 367 pages. I did, however, enjoy the last half of the book where the story starts to come alive. A reread of the book might make me appreciate it more. I am pretty sure I miss the little detail that helps enliven the world. Truly recommend this book for those who want a challenging read.