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nothingelsefits's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexism, Xenophobia, Classism, Rape, Police brutality, Sexual violence, and Infidelity
mahitdzmare's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Sexual assault, Police brutality, Rape, and Gun violence
fareesness's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Minor: Rape, Violence, and War
leecyph's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: War and Violence
pastelkerstin's review against another edition
4.5
One of the most interesting things about The Left Hand of Darkness for me was the mention of another planet in the federation without war or law enforcement. Now, this book apparently takes place before the federation was formed, but it's exactly about that. It's about an anarchist society, the capitalist society it clashes with, and a scientist caught between the two who wants to follow his passion. And it doesn't beat around the bush at all with its politics. No fantasy names for real-life political concepts. Instead you get moving criticisms of capitalism, authoritarianism, police brutality and patriarchy. Although Anarres isn't portrayed as flawless or as totally immune to what they were trying to escape (e.g. social capital creates a kind of hierarchy after all), you know that despite its flaws and hardships, it portrays a world more just than Urras on such a deep level.
I borrowed this from the university library, but I liked it so much, I might actually buy my own copy. My only real gripe with it is how [vague spoilers ahead] Shevek's accidental drunk night ends. He narrowly avoided becoming a character I couldn't root for anymore. Very narrowly. I think him getting drunk accidentally and not knowing what's happening/how to deal with it at all because Anarrestri don't drink makes perfect sense. I just don't like where that went...
Otherwise really fucking good!!
Graphic: Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Violence, Blood, Murder, Police brutality, Pregnancy, Sexism, Vomit, Alcohol, Classism, Xenophobia, Death, Sexual harassment, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Sexual content, War, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Alcoholism, Confinement, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Addiction, and Rape
ellieangel's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Rape
There is a scene of sexual assaultdeltz025's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
lowercasenospaces's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Le Guin has fully imagined the social ecosystem of an entire planet, as close to ideal as possible, finds its flaws and begins to address them. Ultimately, doing this as well as she has requires a deep understanding of humans and humanity, but especially of love. I was brought to tears a number of times, especially towards the end, through her descriptions of love.
Everyone should read this book.
Moderate: Rape and Violence
woweewhoa's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Ursula K. Le Guin is a phenomenal author that really understands the complexities of the way politics and worlds work, and doesn't write as if one idea is perfect or flawless as one might claim it to be. This book explores an anarchist society, the flaws that it has, and directly contrasts it with a capitalistic society.
On top of this, the way the societies and cultures are built are done in such a way that include prior history, as well as what a society would look like if everyone was raised a particular way. Anarres exists as a separation from the Urras propitarian society, and such the people raised there do not exist in a world where that type of society was ever the norm.
Definitely a must read, if you are at all interested in Ursula K Le Guin's work. So far from what I've read of her work, another masterpiece.
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexism, Gun violence, Police brutality, and Violence
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Toxic relationship
pablo_rade's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Moderate: Rape