Reviews - Parable of the Sower

23.9k reviews for:

Parable of the Sower

Octavia E. Butler

4.25 AVERAGE

silvesternicki's review against another edition

4.5

challenging dark emotional sad fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

friendelman's review against another edition

4.0

This is a classic for a reason. The world-building is impeccable and the character development is strong. Butler excels in drawing out and building tension, and creating logical strings of events. She handles race and gender with more grace and nuance than nearly any other author I've read. Ultimately the only thing that kept me from going for 5 stars is that I was turned off by the theological stuff, though I recognize it has inspired many. Just not my taste!

mbrunk98's review against another edition

4.0

dark reflective tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

asmithwv's review against another edition

4.5

adventurous challenging dark medium-paced

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

kevisparrow's review against another edition

4.75

adventurous dark hopeful 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

lydiature_'s review against another edition

5.0

Well, I finished this book. Normally I speed through books but I could not bring myself to do it this time. I was captivated and enthralled the entire time. I’m so embarrassed to say that this was the first book I read by Butler. I don’t say this often but I think I found a new favorite author. The way she wrote and handled Lauren’s emotions was just powerful—there’s no other way to say it.

The world in this book is in absolute chaos. There are fires, brutal crimes, and harsh lands. People have lost their humanity. And in the midst of that, there is Lauren. I think it’s powerful that Lauren is able to “share” with people’s pain and pleasure in a world where animosity and suspicion prevails. In this world, people are taught to kill, or be killed. Be skeptical. Don’t help strangers. And although Lauren sees the world for what it is, she still has it in her heart to trust and envision a world where people can unite once again. There are so many layers to this book (like the fact that I can definitely seeing the world going to hell like this) and I can spend DAYS talking about them.

This book earned its 5 ⭐️ rating. If I could, I would give it even more.

If you’re looking for a well-written book, this is for you. If you want a book that has remarkable and unique characters, this is for you. If your heart breaks for current injustices experienced around the world, this is for you. If you want a book that you can return to again and again and again, this is for you.