The Left Hand of Darkness

 The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

Wow. What a visionary, intricate world Le Guin has built in this sci-fi novel. Apparently it's what she's known for but this was my first time reading one of her books and I'm a little awe-struck. When I saw the blurb on the back, I was doubtful that it could be "as profuse and original in invention as The Lord Of The Rings (Michael Moorcock)", but now, I think it just might be.

It's a vast and detailed world written with such assuredness that you feel it must have always existed somewhere, and that you're getting only a tiny glimpse of it in this story - just a glance through a window as you fly by. I felt at the end that it somehow wasn't enough, that there must be a million more stories in this world to be told. I've since learned that others of her books are indeed set in the same universe, but on other planets and with different characters. I will have to try another one just to see where she takes it. Her imagination, and writing, are pretty amazing.

The story begins with Mr. Ai, a Terran (so a human, like us - I think?), watching a parade on the planet Gethen, also known as Winter because of it's being in a continual ice age. Mr. Ai, first name Genry, has come to Gethen as a representative of Ekumen, a political and trade alliance of far-flung planets, to persuade Gethen to join the alliance. He will meet with the King of Karhide first, and if he finds favor there it is hoped the other nations of Gethen will follow. With increasing political tensions among Karhide's leaders and a wildly unpredictable King, it won't be easy.

The Prime Minister, Estraven, recommends Ekumen to the King, who, believing it would threaten Gethen's independence, is angered by the idea and declares Estraven a traitor, banning him from Karhide and confiscating all he owns. Mr. Ai travels to neighbouring Orgoreyn to distance himself from the King, and there is captured and taken to a prison work camp where he is overworked and starved until Estraven manages to break him out. 

When Mr. Ai is strong enough they set out on a dangerous trek up and across mountains of snow and ice, planning to sneak back into Karhide. From there Mr. Ai will be able to radio his ship's crew - for whom 2 weeks have passed since he left them, while for him it's been 3 years - to bring the ship to Gethen, which will take another 17 days, Gethen time. 

Estraven's (my favourite character) point of view alternates with that of Mr. Ai, through whose curious eyes we learn about this new planet and its people. As a kind person who means well, he is frustrated when he blunders and offends people unintentionally, which happens fairly often.

That basic storyline is filled out with an impressive array of cultural, social, and political information about Gethen and its people, who are neither women nor men but have qualities, and the organs, of both. During kemmer, a time of sexual desire each person experiences for two or three days every month, they mate with other beings also in kemmer at that time. An individual can become either male or female during kemmer, possibly becoming pregnant or fathering a child. Some Gethenians have children they've birthed, as well as children they've fathered. It seems freakish at first reading, and I still don't completely understand it, but by the end of the book it seemed more normal.....sort of. 

An intriguing plot with credible, layered characters, exceptional world-building, articulate writing, and vivid descriptions make this one very good reading experience.