Queer Book Club: The Left Hand of Darkness

Book club is now in-person at Rainy Day Paperback Exchange! But you can always drop in and leave comments about the book whenever you have time, or reply to other people’s comments.
https://discord.gg/2xswCwNmAe

ABOUT THE BOOK
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

The novel follows the story of Genly Ai, a human native of Terra, who is sent to the planet of Gethen as an envoy of the Ekumen, a loose confederation of planets. Ai’s mission is to persuade the nations of Gethen to join the Ekumen, but he is stymied by a limited understanding of their culture. Individuals on Gethen are ambisexual, with no fixed sex; this situation has a strong influence on the planet’s culture, and it creates a barrier of understanding for Ai.The Left Hand of Darkness was among the first books in the genre now known as feminist science fiction, and it is described as the most famous examination of androgyny in science fiction. A major theme of the novel is the effect of sex and gender on culture and society, explored particularly through the relationship between Ai and Estraven, a Gethenian politician who trusts and helps Ai. When the book was first published, the gender theme touched off a feminist debate over the depiction of the ambisexual Gethenians. The novel also explores the interaction between the unfolding loyalties of its two main characters; the loneliness and rootlessness of Ai; and the contrast between the religions of Gethen’s two major nations.

Accessibility info:
Parking and bathrooms nearby. No ramp access to shop. Small set of steps to entrance. During warming months, call ahead to see if bookclub will be outdoors or indoors. If outdoors, noise may be loud / close to road.