Ursula K. Le Guin’s The
Left Hand of Darkness was one of the more interesting, if not confusing
stories I’ve read for this class. While I understand the cultural relevance and
impact it had on the science fiction community, I was not completely enthralled
with it as I would have liked to have been. The novel was a milestone for
feminist works and the novel was critically acclaimed for its sexual ambiguity.
Personally, none of the characters were as compelling as I would have liked
them to be; although I respect the novel for being a breakthrough when it was
released, there are some critical flaws that I found unable to ignore as I read
the book. I was never fully attached to any of the characters – specifically Genly
Ai. I found myself to be a little emotionless as I read the book.
Throughout reading the book, a part of me felt a bit
unfulfilled. I suppose because Le Guin’s expansive world was a bit overwhelming
for me to understand; the ideas presented seemed interesting enough but there
was room to divulge into more of the complexities of her characters and the
culture she created. The ideas are great, but the plot? Not so much. It seems
like it was more of a world building exercise on Le Guin’s part.
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