The Left Hand of Darkness
Ursula Le Guin
Ace, 2000
Genli Ali has been sent from the federation of planets to enlighten the population of Gethen (Winter) on the political possibilities for their planet as a member of the federation. Gethen is in the middle of an ice age and surviving the hostile weather is a strong theme of the story. Gethen's population are human, but ambisexual, choosing their sexuality to suit the circumstances. When sexually inactive they are androgenous.
The reader follows Genli Ali's thoughts on this society from his gendered perspective through a perilous trek, guided by a Gethenian named Estragen. The novel does not romanticise their developing relationship, rather the core theme of the politics and assumptions of gender dominate whenever the weather allows.
When it was first published as the second in a series in 1969, The left had of darkness was the first novel to explore sexual fluidity, with ambisexual or androgenous characters. The second in the 10 book series The Hainish Cycle, it can be read as a stand-alone. The novel is also due to be adapted for a TV series in consultation with author Le Guin.
Guardian Goodreads Gizmodo
Genli Ali has been sent from the federation of planets to enlighten the population of Gethen (Winter) on the political possibilities for their planet as a member of the federation. Gethen is in the middle of an ice age and surviving the hostile weather is a strong theme of the story. Gethen's population are human, but ambisexual, choosing their sexuality to suit the circumstances. When sexually inactive they are androgenous.
The reader follows Genli Ali's thoughts on this society from his gendered perspective through a perilous trek, guided by a Gethenian named Estragen. The novel does not romanticise their developing relationship, rather the core theme of the politics and assumptions of gender dominate whenever the weather allows.
When it was first published as the second in a series in 1969, The left had of darkness was the first novel to explore sexual fluidity, with ambisexual or androgenous characters. The second in the 10 book series The Hainish Cycle, it can be read as a stand-alone. The novel is also due to be adapted for a TV series in consultation with author Le Guin.
Guardian Goodreads Gizmodo
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