I loved the Left Hand of Darkness, and hated TWfWiF for the same reasons you cite. Frankly, hero worshipping an author isnt great. Everyone has highs and lows

I loved the Left Hand of Darkness, and hated TWfWiF for the same reasons you cite. Frankly, hero worshipping an author isnt great. Everyone has highs and lows in their creative output. And the cultural milieu that the author is working in plays a part too (how many books about trees being cool, man, got published between 1967 and 1972?) Dont let TWfWiF put you off LeGuin. She had a lot to say that is worthwhile to read.