The Left Hand of Darkness
Ursula K. Le Guin
The Left Hand of Darkness
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Ursula K. Le Guin
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
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About This Book
On a frozen planet where people shift between genders, a lone envoy must navigate unfamiliar customs and beliefs to unite Winter with the wider universe. This profound tale explores identity, connection, and the challenges of understanding across cultures. Complex emotions and societal insights unfold in a world unlike any other.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 7 book with intense content intensity. Content themes include loss & grief, suicide, kidnapping. Written for readers ages 13+.
For Parents
Content Intensity
Level 4 — IntenseHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0441007317
- Pages
- 304
- Publisher
- Penguin
- Published
- 2000
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 85,451
- Read-Aloud
- ~9h 30m
- Text Density
- Dense