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

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

A philosophical, poetic, and anthropological story of two people gaining a profound bond despite being aliens to one another. The story is most noted for its play with gender, and while I did love how that was showcased in the worldbuilding and interacted with our main narrator's own bias', I honestly think its a shame that is all its known for because to me it was about so much more. There are many ruminations and descriptions in this book that will stick with me, and it was such a treat to be carried along on a journey through this world. However, this is not a lighthearted story. It is as bleak at the planet's weather, but I really resonated with the fact that all of its most terrible truths were tangled up with its beauty. I don't recommend this to someone who has a hard time keeping track of terms, as a lot of alien names and concepts are thrown at you, which I felt was immersing but could also see how it might turn people away.
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