Book Trial By Fire: The Left Hand of Darkness. Masterpiece or Disappointment? (review, spoiler-free)

[@BookFurnace]

Let me know which books you'd like us to put to trial next! Also, if you like the content-please subscribe (more book discussions are coming up soon). It's a tiny channel, and every new member means a lot to me ❤️

[@nealsteplaws]

I haven't read the book in about 5 years but I would argue that The Left Hand of Darkness, like a lot of Le Guin's work, is more literary fiction rather than genre fiction, focusing more on the writing and themes than on characterization and plot. I dont come to her books when I'm looking for a tight, well-paced plot or defined characters, but when I want something more ambiguous and philosophical, like an elaborate thought experiment. I definitely agree with what you're saying, though, and I understand that many people, especially those who normally read SFF, would not like her kind of storytelling. Her science fiction is an entirely different creature than something like a space opera or an action-packed sci-fi adventure.

[@carolusparvus]

Imho, having just read the bulk of The Left Hand of Darkness, your criticism is right on point. I feel a bit vindicated in my abandoning the book at about three quarters through because of boredom. So, thanks a lot for your nuanced review!

[@BookFurnace]

Thank you for your kind feedback :)

[@ВелоЦарапторЛюцик]

I don't really know how KZbin algorithms work, but something tells me that comments are an important part of video promotion. High-quality, informative and creatively made video, thanks to the author! I enjoyed my time watching. I am also pleased to leave the first comment under the first video on the channel. Glad to take part in history 😊

[@BookFurnace]

Thank you for your kind feedback and welcome to the channel!:)

[@connorhalleck2895]

haven't read this one but loved The Dispossessed, one of my favorite books ever. feels like a DS9 episode kinda

[@stews9]

Bad writing is how LeGuin escaped the sf ghetto into literary academia.

[@ignaciosegobianocamarena7593]

This book It should be good for me ? I looking for my first Book in english

[@BookFurnace]

As a first book, "Left Hand of Darkness" might be too challenging. If you like science fiction, I'd suggest "The Caves of Steel" by Isaac Asimov. It's a very engaging book, and the language is simpler, more appropriate for the first book. "The Caves of Steel" was the first science-fiction book I've read in English, and I enjoyed it a lot :)

[@ignaciosegobianocamarena7593]

@@BookFurnace thank you so much, I love to Isaac Asimov, I've read them before in spanish, I will, a hug from Mérida Yucatán México