The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin Summary & Study Guide

by BookRags

The Left Hand of Darkness Study Guide consists of approx. 49 pages of summaries and analysis on The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin.

This study guide includes the following sections: Plot Summary, Chapter Summaries & Analysis, Characters, Objects/Places, Themes, Style, Quotes, and Topics for Discussion.

Genres: Audiobook, Classics, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Nook

First published August 9, 2011

Reviews

[Bethany Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ideas and the way gender norms are challenged in this book are wonderful, super intriguing way to talk about these issues and very relevant to today. The only thing that let this book down was the plot, it was almost non-existent, I felt like I was waiting for the real action to begin and before I knew it I was on the last page.

A very interesting book, if you're interested in gender/queer studies and science fiction but to read purely for the story I wouldn't recommend.

[Kieran Nurmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked it more than Rocannon but still nothing amazing.

[Yasha]

SCIFI LeGuin Ursula

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mother recommended for years that I read The Left Hand of Darkness and now that I've finished reading it in a day and a half I can say she was right to recommend it.

Ursula K. Le Guin created a fascinating frozen planet, memorable characters to explore it and, for the most part, stayed out of their way to let them tell their parts in the story. I won't spoil anything here, but I will say the last 100 pages tells an amazing journey from two perspectives and the ending is satisfying. Apart from the main story Le Guin included several interlude chapters that expand the world she created with a bit of mythology, related history and an outsider's thoughts concerning the unique sexuality of the planet's population.

I am sure I will re-read this novel at some point to pick up on some of it's finer points.