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

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

5.0

I can’t believe this book came out in 1969! What a journey. Charlie Jane Anders writes in the afterword about being “startled by the warmth and generosity of The Left Hand of Darkness, considering how bleak and brutal the story actually is”. I absolutely agree. There’s a curious, delicate love for humanity in all its good and bad that stays consistent even as Le Guin lays bare the worst of humankind’s impulses and choices.
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