A review by gossamer_lens
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

adventurous dark emotional hopeful tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I could ding this down because the book is written in the parameters of a different time with a different understanding of gender and sexuality. Different terms and/or lack of them. But I just have to give it 5 stars because despite it's struggles, with the narration being from the point of view of a clearly misogynistic man (most of the time) with very clear flaws but hope and drive for the improvement of society... all flaws just read as the flaws of the main character. So it works beautifully and any hangups I might have completely slide by. It was inventive, innovative, thought-provoking, and just plain fun while handling so much else.