Laura’s Reviews > The Left Hand of Darkness > Status Update

Le Guin's writing is just gorgeous.

Ohh the bit about how Genly & Estraven are equals now, how Estraven doesn't have any other Gethenians around him and they're all alone. Yeahhh

"What good seeking the safe course, on a journey such as this? There are senseless courses, which I shall not take; but there is no safe one."

"it is not human to be without shame and without desire."

also. chapter 14. omg. the devotion the relationship building etc. 💚💚

"It is a terrible thing, this kindness which human beings do not lose. Terrible, because when we are finally naked in the dark and cold, it is all we have."

"I had not come to Mishnory to eat roast blackfish with the Commensals of my own free will; nor had they brought me here. [Estraven] had."

"The people of Winter, who always live in Year One, feel that progress is less important than presence."
Enjoying this worldbuilding.

"[Tibe] was after something surer, the sure, quick and lasting way to make people into a nation: war."

Also Estraven and Osboth :(

There's no Karhidish word for war!!!