The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin | Review

[@Ahopek]

"It just IS." That is SO VERY MUCH the beauty of Ursula Le Guin's writing. ❤ You're right, masterful and powerful.

[@yesmissjane]

I loved hearing you so worked up about this, and it is a really important insight, I think. No-one is just like us. The sooner we realise that real life is about relationships across differences, the better place the world will be.

[@Kalanadi]

yesmissjane I love how you put that, "real life is about relationships across differences". Yes! I want to experience more of that.

[@barmherzigsein3259]

Elegantly expressed. I remain perplexed that our societies often ignore the observable fact that the natural world around us and in the endless Creation is most stable when different Forces attract and form powerful bonds with each other that resist decay over time, often with adamantine endurance.

[@scottlupa6061]

Very true. I like the idea of bridging the gap that is our differences. It's not easy but much more rewarding.

[@StoriesfromtheShelf]

I just loved this book. I'm glad you liked it. :D Le Guin is so elegant. You should read The Word for World is Forest. That one spoke to me. You are also so elegant. I think you put the benefits of difference very well.

[@Kalanadi]

Stories from the Shelf The Word for World Is Forest is one of the SF Masterworks I ordered. So pretttty :-) I read it as a kid too and was disturbed by some parts in it so that'll be really interesting to rediscover! Ooo, I achieved a measure of elegance? =D Thank you! I was actually very nervous about the last part of this video.

[@JesusIzAPunkRocker]

I was excited to return once id finished LHoD for your review! It's always enlightening

[@codswallop321]

Just finished it. I actually thought the world-building and biology stuff was a bit clunky, but I loved the description of the journey through the ice.

[@ForestBeans]

Wow. You are so insightful. I just love this channel. Thank you!

[@sophblueberry]

It made me so happy to see your passion for this book spilling out on to the screen

[@sophblueberry]

Also, this would make an incredible "Calling Ishmael". Just sayin'. =)

[@Kalanadi]

+sophblueberry I need to look up this Ishmael thing, I've not seen what it's about yet!

[@sophblueberry]

Kalanadi People anonymously call in to share their stories about what they've learned or experienced through books, and it's beautiful thing after beautiful thing. You just see the power of books and the power of stories. I think your insights and your history with this book would make the perfect addition to that archive and would definitely move others to pick up that book.

[@hermanhemlig]

Thank you for the excellent review. I have only read The Dispossessed by Le Guin so far, It is on my top ten list. After listening to your review I will definitely read The Left Hand of Darkness. Thank you again.

[@troygaspard6732]

It was also my introduction to Le Guin. Many years later I would reread it, and understood the lessons of diplomacy it develops.

[@beethoven2351]

This review is utterly brilliant and the best I've ever seen, not just of this book, but of ANY book. First of all, in my mental pantheon of great science fiction books, The Left Hand of Darkness is up there with Dune, 1984, and Brave New World. Since Dune is widely considered to be the best SciFi novel of all time, and the next two are arguably two of the most important books of the twentieth century, you can understand my love for this book. This novel is indeed an examination not of sexuality, but of friendship. It's a condemnation of sexual politics. It's a convincing argument for the equality of the sexes. And how about the beautiful descriptions of a barren landscape? Or the way Genli Ai comes to appreciate the culture of the inhabitants? Keep up the great work!

[@AwkardBookShenanigans]

I'm only 4 years late, but nice video! Haha I just read the book and I like your review! Honestly the book was so ahead of its time. Even now it feels like that book is ahead of most people. I hope we will all catch up

[@tarabyt3]

Perfect. I read this for the first time about 7 years ago and I've been thinking of re-reading it recently to see what it makes me think about now. When I read it, I was just starting to think about gender and sexuality outside what I know, so it was confusing and difficult but rewarding. I really want to see what I feel now that I'm more (more, not well) educated and open. You've helped bump that up. Thanks.

[@Kalanadi]

tarabyt3 Left Hand of Darkness is one of those books I want to reread periodically through my life because as I change, I'll keep seeing it differently. I came so far between my first and second readings. I don't know what I thought the book was about when I was 12, but certainly I didn't understand anything it had to say about gender! I hope you really enjoy it the second time 'round! :-)

[@loismcmasters4680]

Thank you for this wonderful review. It's been a long time since I read it. I think it's time I read it again. I'm also fond of Le Guin's The Lathe of Heaven. Actually I've never read a book of hers I didn't like, she's that good.

[@MELODYMUNRO]

I listened to the audio book for this while following along with my paper version. I found it easier to understand and more interesting this way. I really liked it.

[@barmherzigsein3259]

What a refreshing and insightful review of ! Masterfully done. We, in what is now commonly referred to as appear to be walking (or running) towards a racist and supremacist ignorance of the fact that we, on this small and overpopulated Earth, are all Human Beings. Furthermore, You are cogently insightful in your understanding of the sheer POWER OF RESPECTING DIFFERENCES and the potential for meaningful (and lasting; stable) attractions that frequently flourish from this untapped Force. After all, a true friend will always help us perceive what is REAL REALITY AND THE FACTUAL TRUTH THAT CAN ONLY FLOW FROM WHAT IS PROVABLY REAL. It is thus our own personal duty to journey with our own efforts so as to learn (however arduously that learning may be) and comprehend that nothing in this vast Magnificence of Creation is without change. Vielen Dank, geliebte Frau. Salomè (Peace be with You)! Mögest Du in das Licht, der Wahrheit, und dem SEIN der Schöpfung leben.

[@LetsReadSFF]

Sounds like a deep book. BookTube has been a great way for me to see merit in the differences of others. I think this book would be helpful in expanding that mindset. Thanks for sharing.

[@Kalanadi]

Let's Read Left Hand is a great book to discuss! Such a good read :-)

[@carlosrios790]

OH YEAH! I am now midway through this marvelous novel; I love it! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@RealMexFoodShouldntGiveUDrrhea]

Thank you! I've been looking for something to read, but was confused by this series' order.

[@richardportman8912]

one of my favorite stories. we can use this perspective today.

[@lazymountain]

thank you, really good review and also puttung the book into context helps!

[@heycrisper]

I thought you explained it perfectly! I couldn't have done it better myself. I really *really* want to re-read it. You know it's a good book when you want to re-read it right after you finished it. My favourite part of the book was that journey across the ice. Oh, that passage. My heart. ♥

[@Kalanadi]

Crispers BookNook I'm torn between rereading (I reread parts when I was prepping my review) and using that time to go read all the other things by Le Guin! Can't wait to get more books by her. I'm practically salivating on my doorstep waiting for the mail to come with my book order!

[@heycrisper]

Kalanadi I almost bought the essay book on book depository, but I'm holding out hope that I might find it used on Friday. If not...it's mine! When other books did you happen to get by her?

[@Kalanadi]

Crispers BookNook I ordered three novels (Word for World Is Forest, Lathe of Heaven, The Telling) and 5 volumes of short stories, include the new SF Masterworks one (I think it's The Wind's Twelve Quarters & The Compass Rose). I will show them in a video when I get them all, because love love love :-)

[@user-lu1nt1cm8m]

I loved you review exactly what am looking for. Subscribed.

[@melissac6122]

Wow! You are such an eloquent speaker.

[@hobeesy]

I recommend watching this insightful review at 0.75 speed : )

[@whatsonmybookshelf]

You have convinced me to read this! 😃💕

[@nullhypothesis2735]

According to Ursula herself, the G is hard: "Genly Ai - hard "g" as in get - Ai pronounced like I or eye or Aiieee!" www.ursulakleguin.com/FAQ.html#Names Completely agree with you about the differences between reader/character. I have no real interest in reading about me, or characters like me. It seems almost narcissistic to want to do so. Nor do I have much interest in reading about characters who think like me, or agree with my views. Fiction is the perfect medium to get across opposing views, and if the writer does it in a sympathetic way, it can actually be instrumental in understanding other viewpoints.

[@Kalanadi]

***** What! Aw. I don't know if I can retrain myself to say Genly like that! :-D Yes, absolutely. Sometimes it's pleasant to read about a character who behaves like I would in a situation, or has an opinion I have, but for the *most* part, I want to explore the world and opposing viewpoints and learn something new! And if I get super mad while reading a book, that tells me something about myself and I like asking "why?" Like a three year old. All the time. "Why?"

[@haroonshoney]

Thank you✨💫🦋 so much.

[@paulroberts3639]

Great book. Might be time for a re-read. Wonderful review. The more affected by a book you are, the better your reviews.

[@pipe2devnull]

I have read it many times. A theme that stands out is how Genli Ai, a human male is treated as a freak and called a pervert by Gethenians. Also that he has dark skin is not an issue at all.

[@engvidAlex]

I thought this book was a mixed bag. The androgynous world is interesting, but I was gritting my teeth and just sighing at how lost and uninterested I was during the first 130-150+ pages. It gets more focused in the second half, but then just kind of ends. Also, Le Guin's punctuation is pretty bad at times, with comma splices galore.

[@eschiedler]

What did you think of the fact that LeGuin specifically in the book makes Ghenly AI, the envoy, into a black male? She did so deliberately. Remember the King of Karhide asks Ai if all humans have skin as dark as his. What did you think of the parables and stories of the culture in the book, as they are quite distinct from the plot but play a significant role?

[@arabjewish]

Maybe the gethenians are just super white?

[@eschiedler]

Maybe. But LeGuin is discouraged that film adaptations haven't taken this point into consideration. She doesn't really want more movies made of her books, apparently.

[@isabellafelipedeoliveiraca6698]

If I remember well the Gethenians are supposed to be dark-skinned too, like Inuit people.

[@wrbcosta]

I loved this book! (and The dispossssed, which is also in Hainish). Coincidentally I read The Telling a couple of weeks ago, it's a lovely fable, also in Hainish, and I read some reviews saying it was a minor work (it's shorter), but I found it just as compelling. I'm sad I wasn't sold on Earthsea though, since Le Guin is a really nice writer and I miss more of her prose. Well, now I'm waiting for some other Hainish novels to be available on Kindle so I can get my fix of her. :) Loved your review!

[@Kalanadi]

Wilson Costa I just bought a copy of The Telling! Nice coincidence :-) It's up at the top of my reading list with all these other Le Guin books I've ordered. I kind of want to reread Earthsea but I expect I wouldn't like it nearly as much today, not nearly as much as her adult novels either.

[@ryneallen5163]

I loved everything you said but GIRL... Genleeeee. XD

[@chosantos2791]

Could you do a book review of The word for world is forest? I love your reviews

[@aukword6255]

Yeah, can't remember ever reading a bad LeGuin book. She tends to strike a spark inside the reader. You, for instance, she managed to light up REAL good!

[@DarrinSK]

I cant remember reading one I enjoyed even in the slightest. Then again I only tried 2 and a half times.

[@aukword6255]

@@DarrinSK Each to their own. 🙃

[@emmasandstone4754]

Great video !

[@hannathebookhunter9213]

This sounds interesting! I've heard about the book before, but I don't think I've really heard what it's about before. You did a great job talking about it! And I'm currently reading Ammonite by Nicola Griffith, and before that I read Ancillary Justice, and I feel like these three books would sort of "speak to each other" in an interesting way.

[@Kalanadi]

Hanna the Book Hunter I have Ammonite sitting on my shelf, I really need to read it this year! I thought it might be in the vein of Left Hand of Darkness or The Female Man (which I also haven't read yet). So I'm very excited about that.

[@enentoblades8948]

God Bless you I was doing a project on this book and I couldn't get into the book but you help me get my essay done think you

[@bangzoom8180]

Nice review..wow. Subscribed!

[@superdahoho]

read it during high school, first time realizing read can actually be fun

[@mystoreysofstories]

I’m currently reading this book, a third of the way though, and I feel very lost. 😳 I have no idea what’s going on and I’m struggling to find the desire to continue reading. Maybe I’m just a dum dum or something but the writing style just feels very unaccessible to me. :(

[@randyguess3124]

Have you read her book The Beginning Place? I liked it because it was mainly set in the real world, with a doorway into another world.

[@ricewinner2596]

Randy Guess I read it when I was in my teens. very enjoyable

[@cloudaions7244]

Great Review.

[@williamstewart3058]

I' reread this book about 4 years ago and found it was more a Cold War novel than one about gender Nearly everyone in the book seemed to be described as male and it was incredibly negative about Winters version of the USSR where the main character , an Ambassador, ends up getting sent to a Gulag

[@hywel4605]

I read this and honestly missed it until i spoke to a friend who got it .

[@kathyd2945]

I loved your review! I did NOT enjoy this book - I really struggled. I just did not connect with the story or the characters. But, I understand it is such an important literary work, and I am really trying to understand why. Your passionate review gives me clues as to why people adore this book and this writer. I really appreciate your taking the time to tell us why you love this book, because I truly did not understand the emotional impact it had on readers such as yourself. I think if Le Guin herself could have seen your video, she would be so pleased. Thank you for posting - you've enhanced my understanding of this book immensely.

[@CaminoAir]

I just read 'The Left Hand.....'. I've only read (of LeGuin's books) 'The Dispossessed' & 'The Lathe Of Heaven' earlier this year. I was somewhat surprised that the book is so highly rated (2nd & 3rd in lists of best SF novels lists I've seen). I realise the book is more low-key and 'quiet' than many famous SF novels. Maybe I need to re-read it in a while and maybe I don't really understand the timeliness of the book in 1968 (my birth year). I felt that the book could have been a third longer. The introduction to Winter and it's culture and politics is paired to the bone. I understand conciseness and subtlety, but I still felt the novel seems rushed at times, or maybe it's just that the book may not seem as ground-breaking in this year. I just didn't get as much from it as 'The Dispossessed'.

[@CaminoAir]

I should add that I know LeGuin has a long interest in The Tao De Ching and I'm very familiar with that teaching. I just ultimately felt that 'T.L.H.O.D.' felt more like a novella, or a very long short story.

[@keldrean]

Read a wizard of Earthsea, so fantastic

[@ArturoStojanoff]

Is it pronounced Genly or Genly?

[@arabjewish]

This book said more about gender than any 21st century gender lectures ever have to me

[@AudioPervert1]

this is a tough book. Believing that the basic premise was Sci-Fi .. Halfway through the book now, it makes me feel that the writer was talking about the eventual failure of human beings at the hands of bureaucracy - even if it was another planet and another set of conditions.

[@thisislacourt]

I appreciate so much your book reviews (and your passion!). I unfortunately did not enjoyed reading this book and stopped at chapter 3. I felt it focused a lot on politics and world building and it throw me off. Nonetheless, thanks to your book review on the Earthsea Saga, I ended up reading TEHANU and now it is one of my favorite books ever. Keep it up!

[@Kalanadi]

Not every book is for every person :-) I'm glad to hear you loved Tehanu though!

[@vivianhayes4515]

In regards to differences, I think it's also important to be able to disagree with people, and that it shouldn't be allowed to censor someone just because someone doesn't agree, or it hurt someone's feelings, or because someone slapped the word "sexist", "racist", or "homophobic" whether or not that's true. I see a lot of people do that in situations when there was nothing sexist, racist, or the like about it. People need to be challenged, but they don't seem to like it. Censoring just removes our freedom of speech.

[@billkeon880]

Not straightforward…I found it very confusing and terms/names either not well defined or under-explained. This happens with William Gibson but I somehow can go along with his ride and enjoy his shimmering prose

[@oboy7562]

How does this book rank as a feature film worthyness.

[@Kalanadi]

I honestly have no idea how it will work as a film! Oftentimes I am not thrilled about books close to my heart being adapted. Too disappointing when they don't work out.

[@DanielLopez-zt4ig]

I read the book like 10 years ago, in a time when I was in the closet. The ending made me feel a piece of shit.

[@feralfae3391]

Great Review! The only comment I really have is that the distinction between sex and gender is not made is because it's not really important? Since sex is our biological reality (and that of the genethians in the book) and gender is the roles forced upon us since birth, or if you follow a post modernist approach, an identity, it doesn't really have any place in this book. Part of this book, I think, is a thought experience about being stripped from gender and the chains of it, and only really having ourselves as we are without the constraints of stereotypes and ultimately sorta meaningless identities.

[@eschiedler]

Well put. LeGuin herself wanted to create a thought experiment with the Hainish Cycle. On Gethen, she explored a world without gender - in the sense that there wouldn't be culture based upon those types of roles.

[@Joegriffiths507]

Female Azmongold?

[@forsionc23]

I genuinely disliked this book, honestly life is just too short

[@JAIstarkillerkid]

It's pretty stale prose. Far far overpraised.

[@runforrestrun1965]

It may be a “classic” but it is one of the most boring books i have read, and i love sci fi and the worlds they create. Just could not warm to the characters, plot or story. So slow, boring and sorry but its a 3/10 from me, and frankly lucky to get that.