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podanotherjessi's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I recognize the objective quality of this book. The writing is really incredible. There was a reflective and moving quality to the book that I enjoyed. But there was just no plot, and I was so bored.
This book is very episodic, which is a style that almost never works for me. There were some really exciting moments that I liked, when there was action or good character moments or conflict that was engaging. But most of the book was slow and plodding.
I also was lost by the worldbuilding. The explanation around what has happened to the world was just too vague. "Environmental disaster" is just too vague, and how di things escalate so quickly to be where it is? When it comes to apocalyptic stories, I just need more details.
And it's a small thing, but Lauren is just too competent and perfect. She never messes up, never has an emotional response. She's not unbelievable, but she's boring.
And yet, I still appreciate the book as a whole. Beautifully written. Poignant social commentary. As a vehicle for discussion, it's great. But as a story, it's just kind of dull.
This book is very episodic, which is a style that almost never works for me. There were some really exciting moments that I liked, when there was action or good character moments or conflict that was engaging. But most of the book was slow and plodding.
I also was lost by the worldbuilding. The explanation around what has happened to the world was just too vague. "Environmental disaster" is just too vague, and how di things escalate so quickly to be where it is? When it comes to apocalyptic stories, I just need more details.
And it's a small thing, but Lauren is just too competent and perfect. She never messes up, never has an emotional response. She's not unbelievable, but she's boring.
And yet, I still appreciate the book as a whole. Beautifully written. Poignant social commentary. As a vehicle for discussion, it's great. But as a story, it's just kind of dull.
txa1265's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book has been on my TBR for ages and I FINALLY got to it - and am so glad I did. It is gorgeous, insightful, depressing, and way too prescient as we look back from 30 years after release.
iridescentjemz's review against another edition
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I wanted to like this a lot more than I did as I’d read and heard such great reviews but I found it really difficult to get through. The premise is great and I loved Octavia’s writing but I didn’t feel connected to the story or any of the characters.
It felt like a lot of build up for not much to happen, weirdly, even though the characters do go through a lot of peril. I hope that this book is the world building for the next book and that can give me the connection to the story and characters that I was missing.
I thought the idea of Lauren’s sharing/hyperempathy was intriguing but I think it felt a bit flat, as it only really becomes important when it puts her in peril. I thought it might make her feel more connected to the other characters, especially the other sharers but it didn’t. However the other sharers didn’t arrive until quite late in the story so perhaps there wasn’t time to explore that.
I will read more of Octavia Butler’s work as I think I would like her writing more with a different story.
It felt like a lot of build up for not much to happen, weirdly, even though the characters do go through a lot of peril. I hope that this book is the world building for the next book and that can give me the connection to the story and characters that I was missing.
I thought the idea of Lauren’s sharing/hyperempathy was intriguing but I think it felt a bit flat, as it only really becomes important when it puts her in peril. I thought it might make her feel more connected to the other characters, especially the other sharers but it didn’t. However the other sharers didn’t arrive until quite late in the story so perhaps there wasn’t time to explore that.
I will read more of Octavia Butler’s work as I think I would like her writing more with a different story.
irisdg's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
arash's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
sophieb25's review against another edition
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
brywalls's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A real downer because it's too close to home. But, as always with Butler, it is impeccably written, smart, and frightening.
pearsandmangoes's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
A bit slow at times. Otherwise great! almost flawless! Quite... bleak. which is what Butler intended I assume. Seems prescient too given the current state of the world... Climate change, police brutality, censorship, crackdowns on protesting and freedoms.