The Left Hand of Darkness

By: Ursula K. Le Guin

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Winner of the Hugo and Nebula Awards.

A groundbreaking work of science fiction, The Left Hand of Darkness tells the story of a lone human emissary to Winter, an alien world whose inhabitants can change their gender. His goal is to facilitate Winter's inclusion in a growing intergalactic civilization. But to do so he must bridge the gulf between his own views and those of the completely dissimilar culture that he encounters. Embracing the aspects of psychology, society, and human emotion on an alien world, The Left Hand of Darkness stands as a landmark achievement in the annals of intellectual science fiction.

©1969 Ursula K. Le Guin (P)2016 Recorded Books

One of the greats

This is a fantastic work of speculative fiction, offering insights and explorations that only a woman would even think to discuss. How our environment, our upbringing, and our gender system affect our social and political progress is a really interesting topic which she explores here deftly and interestingly. highly recommend.

fantasy full of real feeling people and situation.

Engrossing to me and interesting changes she imagined on our nature and ways. There is escape and survival struggle, but Central is the story of a deeply caring and noble relationship.

Too many words not enough plot

I was a little concerned when I was getting bored with the author's introduction. Unfortunately that was how the whole book ended up for me.

Not very good

Big Guidall fan, and legiuin has good reviews, but the story was dull xxx
High

I am a better and wiser person after this tale.

If you are new, be patient with the early chapters. She will explain everything in due course.
Its Ursula, just listen.

Knit one pearl two!

A complex concept delivered with clarity and perfect narration. The voice conveyed emotions and clarity in differentiation of the many characters and their many traditions.

seemed old fashioned

I didn't check to see when this was written. I'm surprised to have this reaction as I would have thought I would like classic sci fi. good story, ready to see through to the social commentary. liked it ok

that was an interesting story.

Never have I been so moved by a book written so devoid of emotion and dictated on audible with the voice of someone with equivocal stoicism.

Well-developed and thought-provoking

If you're familiar with LeGuin's other work, it's no surprise this novel is packed with thought-provoking conversations and casually dropped aphorisms that may keep you thinking hours after you turn it off. It's brilliant. It's a meditation on what mankind is capable of mentally, socially, politically, and even physically. The world-building is exceptional and characters are compelling and realistic. I also love the way LeGuin brings journal and other life writing into the book, which comes across well in the performance. Highly recommend.

Failed to live up to its reputation

Alas, I only got through half of this book, and it's the second time I started and didn't finish it. About forty years ago the book was highly recommended to me, and I gave it a brief try. I thought that with the maturity of older age I might find this "classic" more interesting, and this time I read substantially more. But I just didn't find the story plot and characters sufficiently gripping to hold my attention.