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A review by cvbattum
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
4.75
Honestly an amazing book. Rich in atmosphere and philosophy, with superb writing and and interesting premise.
I thought the pacing was perfect. I've never read a science-fiction book that hooked me as strongly from the first thirty pages. No single word is redundant or superfluous. It is still easy to follow through large time skips, and despite the conciseness of the writing, there's no lack of prettiness to it either.
The entire thing around ambisexuality is very interesting, if falling a little flat in today's understanding of gender. I'm sure it was wildly progressive for the time. It is an interesting concept regardless, and well executed as well.
I love the book's softer approach to science fiction, in which the fictional world is just a backdrop for the very real and human story.
My only criticism is that the ending felt a little flat to me, as I would've liked it a little more climactic. I think it does fit the story well enough.
I thought the pacing was perfect. I've never read a science-fiction book that hooked me as strongly from the first thirty pages. No single word is redundant or superfluous. It is still easy to follow through large time skips, and despite the conciseness of the writing, there's no lack of prettiness to it either.
The entire thing around ambisexuality is very interesting, if falling a little flat in today's understanding of gender. I'm sure it was wildly progressive for the time. It is an interesting concept regardless, and well executed as well.
I love the book's softer approach to science fiction, in which the fictional world is just a backdrop for the very real and human story.
My only criticism is that the ending felt a little flat to me, as I would've liked it a little more climactic. I think it does fit the story well enough.