GSWS Feminist Book Club - February 2025

The Left Hand of Darkness

Ursula K. Le Guin

Ace Books (1969)

The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin takes us to the planet of Gethen, an alien world where the people there are ambisexual. Through the eyes of Genly Ai, a human envoy, the novel explores and challenges ideas of sex, gender, and their effects on culture and society. Ahead of its time, The Left Hand of Darkness was first published in 1969. GSWS Feminist Book Club decided to give it a go, 56 years after its publication.

We had interesting discussions about how relationships might function in an ambisexual society. The ideas of violence and rape, often linked to power dynamics, were also examined in light of the absence of masculinity. Many of us found that the anthropological lens through which Genly Ai views Gethenian society created a barrier to fully understanding it.

Overall, reactions to the book were mixed. While some of us enjoyed the legends woven into the novel, others found them distracting from the main narrative. However, the book sparked engaging discussions, making it a worthwhile read.

Average rating: 3/5