The Left Hand of Darkness is a science fiction novel written by Ursula K. Le Guin. It takes place on a planet called Gethen, where the inhabitants have no fixed gender and can become either male or female during their reproductive cycle. The story follows a human envoy named Genly Ai as he navigates the complex social and political landscape of Gethen. The Left Hand of Darkness is a thought-provoking exploration of gender, identity, and cultural differences.