Lee Ann’s Reviews > Hainish Novels & Stories, Vol. 1: Rocannon’s World / Planet of Exile / City of Illusions / The Left Hand of Darkness / The Dispossessed / Stories > Status Update

Winter's King (1969 Version): I'm not sure why they decided to include the original version in here, except maybe reading it as a woman, I can see how changing the pronouns in the later version was an improvement, as suggested in Is Gender Necessary? Redux, when Le Guin mentions women wanting to see more feminine pronouns in The Left Hand of Darkness. I did like the later version better. It felt refreshing.

Is Gender Necessary? Redux: We love a queen who defends the singular they/them pronoun. This is a fascinating reflection that shows Le Guin's growth. Love it.

A Response, by Ansible, from Tau Ceti: Another somewhat abstract but interesting introduction, this time to The Dispossessed. Not having read the book of essays this was a part of, I can't say it did much for me, though I guess it was sort of cool to see Le Guin's own take on her construction of one of her best known works.

Introduction to The Left Hand of Darkness: I've read this one before! It's a little abstract for my tastes, but I enjoy the final line referring to one of the most memorable lines of the book.

Introduction to City of Illusions: It's weird this is one of Le Guin's least favorites, because I loved it. It's actually probably one of my favorites in this collection. It engaged me more than even The Dispossessed. This essay read a bit like her trying to convince herself to like the book.

Introduction to Rocannon's World (Appendix): A little humorous, insightful, and reflective. Classic Le Guin essay.

Coming of Age in Karhide: I know this is considered one of her greatest short stories, and it is interesting and well-written, but maybe my human brain just can't help being a little grossed out by it. Gethenian culture feels a little like grooming, and I kinda hate it.

The Day Before the Revolution: Since I loved The Dispossessed, I loved this little prequel of sorts. It was awesome to see a tiny, poignant glimpse of Odo's life, and to be reminded how exhausting but rewarding Revolution is. 10/10 stars.

Vaster Than Empires and More Slow: This one was a little too abstract for my liking, though it was interesting to see Le Guin dabble in mild horror, and I was glad to see an autistic character experiencing compassion fatigue, since we often see autism depicted as a "lack of emotion". Overall the story reminded me of a tamer, less gory Aliens. 6/10. I might have to reread it someday.

Winter's King: A little confusing at first, but once it got going, I understood. The mindforming is a fascinating form of brainwashing, and I liked that Le Guin opted to tell a story from the point of view of one of the Winter citizens instead of an Ekumen ambassador. The use of she/her pronouns was just one notable difference this POV made. Probably 7/10 for this story.