The Left Hand of Darkness
Ursula K. Le Guin
36 people recommended it in 24 threads, 2008–2025.
What people on Hacker News said
Left Hand of Darkness also by Ursala Le Guin is a shifting chaotic shizmatic tale, about picking our fates.
Which leads to my second recommendation - The Left Hand of Darkness, by Ursula Le Guin. Le Guin in general is excellent for examining in depth the effects that small changes in technology may have on human society - it follows naturally I guess from the fact that her father was an anthropologist...
The style is one of clarity, tenderness, and honesty, and just plain beautiful in the section where---avoiding spoilers---they journeyed through the ice sheet, which is such a breath-taking portrayal of that environmental harshness, the human vulnerability, and the tenacity of will.
“The Left Hand of Darkness” besides having one of the coolest titles of all time completely blew me away.
Close second is The Left Hand of Darkness from the same author.
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