Can a sci-fi novel make for a good book club book? We find out with The Left-Hand of Darkness by Ursula Le Guin. Did Laura's book club, mostly sci-fi newbies, like it or loathe it?

From fantasy dystopia to the real world, we also tackle Second-Hand Time, Svetlana Alexievich's history of life in Soviet and post-Soviet Russia. It's an emotionally challenging read on a difficult subject. But did Kate's book club think it worth the effort? Listen in to find out.

We also interview 88-year old Anne Thompson about her favourite literary discoveries thanks to her book club.

Books mentioned on this episode:

• The City and the City by China Mieville
• Kil'n People by David Brin
• The Complete Broken Empire Trilogy: Prince of Thorns, King of Thorns, Emperor of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
• Hyperion by Dan Simmons
• The Earthsea Quartet: Wizard of Earthsea, The Tombs of Atman, The Farthest Shore, Tehanu by Ursula Le Guin
• Chernobyl Prayer by Svetlana Alexievich