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The Left Hand of Darkness

By: Ursula K. Le Guin, Charlie Jane Anders - afterword
Narrated by: Alyssa Bresnahan, Michael Crouch
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Publisher's summary

The queen of science fiction’s trailblazing novel about a planet full of genderless beings

A groundbreaking work of science fiction, The Left Hand of Darkness tells the story of a lone human emissary’s mission to Winter, an unknown alien world whose inhabitants can choose—and change—their gender. His goal is to facilitate Winter’s inclusion in a growing intergalactic civilization. But to do so, he must bridge the gulf between his own views and those of the completely dissimilar culture that he encounters.

Exploring questions of psychology, society, and human emotion in an alien world, The Left Hand of Darkness stands as a landmark achievement in the annals of science fiction.

©1969 Ursula K. Le Guin / Author's Note ©1976 by Ursula K. Le Guin / Introduction reproduced with permission of Curtis Brown Group Ltd, London on behalf of David Mitchell ©2000 by David Mitchell / Afterword by Charlie Jane Anders ©2019 by Charlie Jane Anders, from The Left Hand of Darkness: 50th Anniversary Edition by Ursula K. Le Guin, used by permission of Ace, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved.","year":"1969 (P)2024 Recorded Books
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What listeners say about The Left Hand of Darkness

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A singularly great performance of a classic

An incredible rendering of one of the greatest books of all time. Crouch's love for this book brings light and warmth to Le Guin's cold and mysterious world.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A masterpiece reignited

My second time listening and while I love George Guidall, Michael Crouch’s narration brings a subtlety and power that immersed me even further into the rich reality of the novel. Production is excellent as well. Looking forward to the next time I listen again.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Well written and interesting, but…

Aside from political
Maneuvering, nothing happens. For me, the lack of any excitement or action takes away from the need of all the card playing the plot has to offer.

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