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Thoughtful Sci Fi exploring the implications of a thought experiment on the human experience

My first introduction to Ursula Le Guins science fiction. The left hand of darkness was a thought provoking read, a quiet book that ponders on the human experience through the lens of a cold planet inhabited by androgynous humans who are able to switch & change genders once a month during a short period called Kemmer where they reach sexual potency. The premise is fascinating and told against the backdrop of an alien world whose relentless weather makes it almost inhospitable. Big questions are asked about an alien civilisation who are similar yet utterly different from what we call human. The thought experiment explores the psychological and social implications that the physiology of the people of Gethen(Winter) has on them & their approach to life. Gethenians aren't & don't see themselves as men & women having major ramifications for the way there genderless society has developed. An iconic quote from the book 'The King was pregnant' is a testimony of the nuance & complexity that the premise in this book presents. The book subtlety discusses the human condition; in our society phenotype, sexual preference, gender identity etc trigger cognitive biases, xenophobia and bigotry. In the book Genly Ai the protagonist & ambassador of Earth & the interplanetary confederation that makes up the Ekumen goes on a journey of discovery leading to the acceptance & understanding of what Gethenians are. Genly Ai moves away from his cognitive biases projecting human gender roles on Gethenians. As the book develops we learn how this premise is layered, deep & complex right down to our ideas about human speech & voice.

As an ambassador of the Ekumen Genly mission is fraught with danger isolation and sacrifice. He travels alone and makes himself vulnerable on the new world that is Gethen, a masterstroke on the account of Le Guin. Through the lens of an individual the mission becomes initimate, personal and subtle. Ai experiences Gethen & learns to experience this world through the lens of an utterly different society & people. Through bonding & befriending a Gethenian we see the bridge between two cultures a bridge that facilitates the mission Ai has set out to achieve.

The book touches on many themes including sexuality, gender identity, politics, the psychology of war and human behaviour and even religion. This is a truly unique achievement and definitely needs several reads to fully appreciate. It's utterly realistic in its detail & presentation of Gethen a major feat by Le Guin.