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Darkness Is Ambidextrous (an Overview of the Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula Le Guin, and a Poem)
Title Already Taken
Welcome to another of my 2016 articles inspired by the titles of Ursula Le Guin novels. This is number nine in the series so far.
As with most in the series I was going to give the hub the same name as the book "The Left Hand of Darkness" but unfortunately the hubtool editor told me that title was already taken (even though a search didn't reveal another article with that name). So being the easy going guy I am I changed the name :)
I hope you enjoy "Darkness is Ambidextrous."
The Left Hand of Darkness (overview)
The Left Hand of Darkness is a science fiction novel published in 1969 by
In 1970, The Left Hand of Darkness won "best novel" in both the Hugo and Nebula Awards, an accolade given by the convention participants and other science fiction writers. In the 1975 Locus magazine Poll & Survey covering "novels", The Left Hand of Darkness placed third behind Frank Herbert's Dune (1965) and Arthur C. Clarke's Childhood's End (1963). In 1987 Locus ranked it at second among "All-Time Best SF Novels", after Dune.
Also in 1987, Harold Bloom said in a critical anthology about the book and said in the introduction: "Le Guin, more than Tolkien, has raised fantasy into high literature, for our time." (source: Wikipedia)
Fellow hubber Besarien says, "The Left Hand of Darkness is one of my favorite novels in any genre."
"The story is set in the fictional Hainish universe, which Le Guin introduced in her first novel Rocannon's World, published in 1966. In this alternative history, human beings did not evolve on earth, but on Hain. The people of Hain colonized many neighboring planetary systems, including Terra (Earth) and Gethen (Winter) around a million years prior to the setting of the novels. Some of these groups that "seeded" each planet were the subjects of genetic experiments, including on Gethen."
The Left Hand of Darkness tells the story of Genly Ai a lone human emissary (from Terra) sent to Gethen, an alien world whose inhabitants can choose -and change - their gender at certain times. His goal is to facilitate Gethen's (Winter's) inclusion in a growing intergalactic civilization. But to do so he must find middle ground between his own views and those of the totally different culture that he encounters.
Embracing many aspects of psychology, society, and human emotion on an alien world, The Left Hand of Darkness stands as a landmark achievement in the annals of intellectual science fiction. (source: Goodreads)
If you are a science fiction fan like me I hope you are now tempted to read this book by Ursula Le Guin and the others in the Hainish Cycle series. I have only begun reading her books in recent years and am sorry I didn't discover them earlier.
The Right Hand of Darkness
He does his master's bidding
No matter what the cost,
But all the riches he has gained
Are not worth what he's lost.
He drips in gold and money,
Much more than he can count.
Sex and drugs on offer
Like a never-ending fount.
To attain these worldly riches
He offered up his soul,
No thought of what may lie ahead,
Fulfilling Satan's goal.
He thinks he is invincible
In this short Earthly life.
Rape, assault and murder,
Expert with gun and knife.
Cheating and deceiving
Are talents he has honed.
Evil deeds excite him,
But one day he'll atone.
What awaits us after death?
Imagine if you can.
But I don't think there's any doubt
For the Devil's right-hand man.
© 2016 John Hansen
Comments
Nice poem, John. I recently read a huge anthology on the works of Ursula Le Guin. I felt bad to learn from a book tribute of her works on the library table that she had passed away. I'm a big fan of her Earhsea trilogy books. I remember reading "The Left Hand of Darkness," several years ago.
She remains one of my favorite authors. Great post! I hope others are inspired to check out her selection of novels.
Always a pleasure to read your writing.
I'm not a sci-fi fan, but I enjoy this series of reviews and poems dedicated to the author nonetheless. You can make anything sound interesting, John!
When I think that you have outdone yourself, you always tend to come up with something more. Bravo!
Superb poem and you make Le Guin's book a tempting read, though I'm not usually a sci-fi reader. It's an intriguing idea that is presented here.
Great hub and your poetry always delights.
Ann
A great introduction to the book and a great poem. Reading your overview has got me interested in this book, will read.
Thank you, my Dearest Jodah. I truly appreciate your advice. To me, you will always be a great fiction writer on HubPages. You are beyond compare. Now I won't take much time here. Much Love. Take care.
What an captivating title, John. I am a science fiction fan also, and am always on the lookout for good writing in this genre. I really liked your poem. "But one day he'll atone...." I believe this as well. The photos are terrific accompaniment to your words.
Aww. Jodah, thank you so much, my Dear. It was my licensing exam to practice law with Dad. I am sure I did well though. The result will be declared in April. But you know something, I feel like I am not made for law. I feel suffocated when I go to Courts. I feel freedom in my room with my lamp, diary and pen on the table. I am more interested in the world of Creative Writing. Let's hope that I become a great fiction writer like you one day (Smile). I saw your loftiest feedback. It made my day :) You are such a sweetheart!!! Hugs. Hugs. Hugs!!
Thank you for the review, Jodah. Loved your poem! I am now free with my exam and it feels nice to be back in the company of brliiant writers here on HubPages. Love ya!
Thank you for sharing this gift with words Jodah. Many gifts really as seems their is answer for new books to read in a favorite genre. I look forward to her works. I am just now renewing that along with writing again. The poem remains with me now with contemplation inwardly with mysteries unfolding. Thank you for those revelations I ponder now.
It seems as though I missed a lot by not discovering Ursula Le Guin during my SiFi days. It sounds as though I would have enjoyed the work.
Your poem fit well here. Nice blend of review and poetry - this Le Guin idea is working for you.
John, great poem, I am like Ruby, sci-fi is the least interesting reading, but you did the author proud, and if I were her I would put your poem in my book.
Did I ever tell you I love poetry.
Blessings and hugs my friend
Amazing poem I enjoyed reading it.
Amazing poem I enjoyed reading it.
Great poem. I really liked how it flowed. The subject matter and how you project it is awesome.
I could not help but think while reading it that a piece of that prince of darkness is even in me.
Hey Jodah, the review was complete.. well done.. the poem goes places we can't predict then goes further.. that's why I enjoy reading your poetry.. mostly..:)
Funny Bro, right at the beginning, I was thinking that we attribute so much darkness to the left hand, a bit like we do with 'black' or 'blackness.' Then I get to your poem and you speak of the 'right.' How charming! How appropriate in terms of money, power and some of your other examples.
An excellent poem, and a very vivid account of the power of darkness over us, in creating this alluring illusion of corruption and Greed. Peace!
Excellent hub and an interesting read!
You have written a lot about Ursula Le Guin in your hubs. I am curious to read one of her books. Your poem is beautifully expressed as always.
A good review and a wonderful poem ---What a combination!
Thank you for sharing!
I haven't read much in science fiction but I will say your review made the book seem quite interesting. And, I absolutely loved the poem. "The devil's right-hand man indeed"
Both titles are really cool, John ...maybe it is the actual book HP is referring to? Who knows ...
Great review and you are increasing my interest in Ursula's work via your hubs.
Wow, your poem is off the charts amazing, John! It is always the best part of this series in my mind.
I've been working on a two creative writing projects and one is along these lines too, and I hope to get them ready to publish soon. I have enjoyed working on them.
Hugs and blessings
Hey John, I do, of course, like all you write in explaining Ursula's books, but I love it when I get to your poetry. I think your poem is what makes me want to read the books. A gripping poem, that is full of intrigue. :)
Two things: I always appreciate a good book recommendation, and I always appreciate your poetry. So you have doubled my pleasure this Tuesday afternoon, and I thank you.
I like some types of Sci Fi better than others. I'm not sure how well I could follow this authors work, but you make her sound interesting. I enjoy your poetry.
I've always been an avid reader, but never a science fiction fan. My youngest daughter, though, was a huge fan beginning in elementary school, so I'm very familiar with the genre. And, I must admit, this book sounds fascinating. In any genre, it's so good to find an author you really like and lose yourself in their books. I may have to try this one.
You have written so much about Ursula Le Guin in your hubs that I am intrigued to pick up one of her books. I liked the poem in the end.
"What awaits us after death?" - Only if people give this question a serious thought, they would never resort to misdeeds.
John, as I've said before, I'm a scifi/fantasy fan. I read this particular Le Guin book so long ago that I've forgotten the story. Thanks for reminding me because I haven't read the series and may go back and read it, or at least I think I haven't read all of the Hain books. I like your poetic rendition of the devil's man, though, and I hope Karma catches up with him first.
Brilliant and very fascinating indeed!
This is like getting a promo: Buy One Take Two --for getting a good review and a wonderful poem combined. Two thumbs up! :)
Love from the skies of the great north! ~
Someone probably has the title but hasn't published yet. You could have used it and added a word or so probably.
I am a johnny come lately Sci-Fi fan and this does sound like it could hold my interest. (Although animal ones are my favorite.)
Love the poem and again it seems we are on the same wave length as I am doing research and writing about that evil one's domain!
Great job as always!
I must admit that science-fiction is my least favorite genre, but you did this book justice with your review. I loved your poem which was excellent.
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