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A review by thisisacat
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
4.0
Narrative:
The first half of this book can feel plodding at times. I have a relatively high tolerance for stories that take their time but it felt like I was getting lost in the world building at the cost of the story. I persevered as I had previously heard that the second half is more focused and improves it's pacing; this is true but it runs out of plot before it's able to reach full speed. Certainly not the most engaging read but the sense of place and atmosphere is truly immersive. 3/5.
Themes:
I think this book has aged somewhat poorly but for all the right reasons. What was once a biting commentary on the societal role of gender has morphed into a gummy retcon of Genly into a strangely conservative protagonist. Should Ursula have foreseen that the assumptions she made about her readers' societal views on sex and gender would come to be seen as backwards and regressive? Maybe, but I have to keep pinching myself that this was written in 1969 and still carries a progressive punch into the 2020's. Does it deserve a pass just because it was written over 50 years ago? Actually, yes; not simply due to it's laurels but as a cross section into how progressive ideas evolve and change over time. I'd wager that not many novels from this year will be able to carry such weighty themes into the 2070's. 5/5.
The first half of this book can feel plodding at times. I have a relatively high tolerance for stories that take their time but it felt like I was getting lost in the world building at the cost of the story. I persevered as I had previously heard that the second half is more focused and improves it's pacing; this is true but it runs out of plot before it's able to reach full speed. Certainly not the most engaging read but the sense of place and atmosphere is truly immersive. 3/5.
Themes:
I think this book has aged somewhat poorly but for all the right reasons. What was once a biting commentary on the societal role of gender has morphed into a gummy retcon of Genly into a strangely conservative protagonist. Should Ursula have foreseen that the assumptions she made about her readers' societal views on sex and gender would come to be seen as backwards and regressive? Maybe, but I have to keep pinching myself that this was written in 1969 and still carries a progressive punch into the 2020's. Does it deserve a pass just because it was written over 50 years ago? Actually, yes; not simply due to it's laurels but as a cross section into how progressive ideas evolve and change over time. I'd wager that not many novels from this year will be able to carry such weighty themes into the 2070's. 5/5.