The Left Hand of Darkness is a science fiction novel by Ursula K. Le Guin. Set on the planet Gethen, where the inhabitants have no fixed gender, the story follows a human envoy named Genly Ai as he navigates the complex social and political landscape of this alien world. The book explores themes of gender, sexuality, and cultural differences. Le Guin's novel is considered a landmark work of feminist science fiction and has won numerous awards for its exploration of gender identity and its nuanced portrayal of relationships.