A review by teddymasters0
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I was not expecting to love this book so much. I thought it would be an interesting evaluation of gender, one in an unusual science fiction setting. It certainly was that. From the beginning I was on board with the premise of the book and wanted Ai to succeed in his mission. It was the ladder half of the book that really spoke to me.

From the moment when Ai is taken to the farm everything changes. The politic of the world comes into clearer focus. Then comes Estevan to rescue him. I hadn’t thought much of the character, that he was doing what he could to help. In the trek across the baron ice I came to love him. I truly believed that he would get a happy ending. I reveled in imagining him seeing the ship. Perhaps in developing his relationship with Ai further. His death was so heartbreaking, but also beautiful. It was sudden and his absence from the world was felt throughout the rest of the book.

This story is a triumph that will remain with me for a long time.