The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

Estraven tries to warn Ai, but Ai's had just about enough of Estraven's secrecy and ignores him.īad move. Luckily Estraven is paying attention, because he knows that Ai has some way powerful opponents in the Orgoreyn government. The Commensals even seem to be working with him in ways King Argaven never did. He's set up in a comfy apartment and has friends in high places (the government). Things seem to be going great for Ai on the surface. The Orgoreyn Commensals, the 33 people who run the government, openly welcome Ai into their country.

Oh, and Estraven is heading for Orgoreyn too. Now things start getting interesting, because war is brewing between Karhide and Orgoreyn.

With Karhide a total bust, it's off to a different country, Orgoreyn, to try his luck. Faxe checks his Magic 8-Ball and answers yes, so Ai decides to restart his mission. He asks Faxe for to prophesy whether or not the planet Gethen will join the Ekumen in five years time. Ai heads to the Fastnesses of Karhide and meets Faxe the Foreteller. Luckily, King Argaven doesn't blame Ai for Estraven's mistakes-but that still doesn't mean he's going to join the Ekumen. Like, why is the Gethenian so cold and remote? What kind of power does Estraven hold over Argaven? No clue.Īi receives a summons from King Argaven the same day Estraven is run out of town for being a traitor. Too bad Ai just can't figure this dude out. This aspect makes their entire culture distinct from any Ai has ever encountered, meaning navigating their politics and social mores is tricky-tricky business.Īnd then there's Estraven, prime minister of the country Karhide (on planet Gethen) and the guy (guy?) vouching for Ai to the country's King Argaven. For starters, the Gethenians are androgynous beings, neither male nor female. He's there to convince the Gethenians to join the Ekumen-think the United Nations, but spanning the universe.Īnd things could be going smoother. But Genly Ai isn't on the planet Gethen to enjoy parades. The novel opens with a parade: colors, marching, instruments, the Macy's Day works. Le Guin's The Left Hand of Darkness: Novel Summary

The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin