One of the first major works of 'feminist science fiction' (according to Wikipedia) and it won the 1969 Nebula and 1970 Hugo awards.

Short Description: A groundbreaking science fiction classic takes us to the world of Winter, and introduces us to its inhabitants, the Gethenians-whose society is not based on gender roles. Because there is no gender...

I loved it!

Selected on the basis of a copy of the front page, in the Dutch 'The first page says it all' bookring. Sounds very interesting. I'm sure I read some Ursula LeGuin when I was a teenager, as her name has remained in my subconscious since then. However, looking at her list of books, I can't remember which, if any, I have actually read. I'm really looking forward to this, but it will have to wait on Mount TBR first.
Thank you, Prowisorio, for sending this to me.

Started to read today, as I am going to send it to Twinfather in exchange for 'Everything is Illuminated' by Jonathan Safran Foer, which I needed for a book club.

When I started to read this, I was wondering why it was considered such a classic, as I found it extremely difficult to follow, with so many unfamiliar names of people, days, months and countries, not to mention the strangeness of the society where there is only one sex. Before any explanation is given, concepts such as 'kemmer' are mentioned, which only add to the confusion. As the book progressed, however, the unfamiliar cultural and societal concepts became clearer, and the main characters became more clearly defined. The second half of the book, especially the journey across the Ice, was much easier to understand, much more like a description of an adventure or expedition, and it was beautifully written. I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of the snow, but also the growing friendship between Genly Ai and Therem Harth rem ir Estraven.

The mark of the classic book is that it makes you think, and that however unlike your own reality, you can see the parallels or differences; the classic book resonates with your own life and speaks to you. 'The Left Hand of Darkness' does this at many levels. At places there is humour, in others sadness. In reflecting on how life might be if there was only one sex, combining the strengths and weaknesses of both male and female, Ursula leGuin comments on the perceived differences which now exist. The acceptance of homosexuality is also discussed from the reverse point of view, as on the planet Winter, those in a permanent state of maleness or feminity are considered the Perverts.

LeGuin also comments on political machinations and the dangers of nationalism in her descriptions of Tibe: "His speeches were long and loud: praises of Karhide, disparagements of Orgoreyn, vilifications of 'disloyal factions', discussions of the 'integrity of the Kingdom's borders', lectures in history and ethics and economics, all in a ranting, canting, emotional tone that went shrill with vituperarion or adulation. He talked much about pride of country and love of the parentland, but little about shifgrethor, personal pride or prestige.... he was deliberately avoiding talk of shifgrethor because he wished to rouse emotions of a more elemental, uncontrollable kind. He wanted to stir up something which the whole shifgrethor-pattern was a refinement upon, a sublimation of. He wanted his hearers to be frightened and angry."
Living in the Netherlands in 2010, where Geert Wilders is fuelling distrust of foreigners, particularly Moslims, and breaking down the traditionally tolerant attitude of the Dutch, this passage was disturbingly familiar.

On a lighter note, the book also includes humour, such as the comment that Foretelling "exhibit[s] the perfect uselessness of knowing the answer to the wrong question". I also particularly enjoyed the folk tales which are interspersed between the main story. This gave an opportunity for a more poetic or "Biblical" form of writing, and I made note of the following: "There is neither source nor end, for all things are in the Centre of Time. As all the stars may be reflected in a round raindrop falling in the night: so too do all the stars reflect the raindrop. There is neither darkness nor death, for all things are, in the light of the Moment, and their end and their beginning are one." Beautiful.

Another theme in the book is trust and friendship, and the pressure which exile or banishment puts upon people. This sense of loss of identity through exile and isolation was one of the things which bound Genly and Harth together, and which makes sense to me, as a (voluntary) expat. When all is lost, the only things which count are friendship and kindness: "It is a terrible thing, this kindness that human beings do not lose. Terrible, because when we are finally naked in the dark and cold, it is all we have. We who are so rich, so full of strength, we end up with that small change. We have nothing else to give."

Here is a link to a fascinating in-depth study of 'The Left Hand of Darkness', including an interview with the author: http://www.angelfire.com/ny/gaybooks/lefthandofdarkness.html

Wishlist book posted to Twinfather as a trade for 'Everything is Illuminated'.

This book has been released as part of the following BookCrossing challenges:
- The Ultimate Challenge - read and release books, with extra points for a monthly theme
- Pages Read Challenge - read a self-set target number of pages in 2010. My goal is 24,000.
- Set It Yourself Challenge

Safely arrived in Gouda. Thank you for the swap, bookguide!

I tried and tried again, but the story wasn't gripping enough to continue reading. Shame because I was looking forward to enjoy this book, but alas...

As I haven't finished this book I will not award it any rating.

Thanks anyway bookguide for sharing this book.

This book will continue its journey. Next destination is the UK.

What a lovely surprise in the mail this morning (and a cute Elmer postcard too!) - thank you!