10.9k reviews for:

The Left Hand of Darkness

Ursula K. Le Guin

4.07 AVERAGE

myliterarylove's review against another edition

4.0

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“A man wants his virility regarded. A woman wants her femininity appreciated, however indirect and subtle the indications of regard and appreciation. Here one is respected and judged only as a human being. It is an appalling experience.”

A unique reading experience! Ursula K. Le Guin is a brilliant writer.

dil_emmah's review against another edition

4.25

challenging tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

cowgirlfrog's review against another edition

3.75

adventurous challenging dark reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

benvel's review against another edition

4.75

adventurous emotional sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

lucas46's review against another edition

4.25

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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Groundbreaking scifi, all of her books so far have been impactful
Orginal and progressive story, makes it even more impressive it was released in the late 60s.
Phenomenal themes and world building 
Drags at times but the world feels very lived in

virtualminotaur's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous challenging hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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God.

Fuck my life.

suicidal_fantasies's review against another edition

3.75

adventurous hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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A well-crafted book with interesting premises for its time, but unfortunately doesn't feel as interesting to me in 2025. The plot is sparse, and the narrative all feel a bit detached. 

I guess speculative fictions are just not for me though especially when it doesn't ever question its premises and conclusions, but the book is able to make me think and question, which has value in itself. 

Might come back to reread it later, as people seem to say that rereads can be illuminating for this book. 

mummerdragon's review against another edition

4.5

adventurous mysterious reflective relaxing medium-paced

shyone's review against another edition

3.0

adventurous mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

brittanys_books's review against another edition

2.0

challenging slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: No