Discussion of the Book for January 2012
Posted by bangkokbookclub on January 30, 2012
“The Left Hand of Darkness” by Ursula Le Guin.
For a variety of reasons, not many people were able to read this book this month. Those that did read it thought this futuristic novel was well crafted, with attention given to building believable reasons for the choices characters and groups make through the story. One member did not feel that the writer’s choice of making the inhabitants on Gethen’s interchangeable, fluid sexuality (the one very original idea introduced) was of any significant importance to the progression and outcome of the story line.
A lively discussion followed about the difference between science fiction, science fantasy (we thought this book might fall in this category) and fantasy, and then the various perceptions of gender roles in societies today.
