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Scary how this is set in 2025, written some 30 years ago and feels like it could be a reality we’re headed for soon. This book was hard to get into and had some pretty brutal/depressing content. But I feel like I’ll be thinking about it for some time. Need something happier to follow this up though.
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Graphic: Child death, Death, Violence, Death of parent
adventurous
dark
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
dark
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This one was even rougher and more intense than I'd prepared for, and it was extra disturbing to read while we are rapidly sliding towards a version of this world. But it was such a powerful story that, like Kindred, I know is going to stay in my head for a long time. I definitely want to read the next one, but I'll probably need some time before I can start it after this one. Butler had so much to say with this one, and she said it masterfully. She does not miss.
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gun violence, Racism, Violence, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Drug use, Rape, Slavery, Trafficking