Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - Parable of the Sower

Set in a very plausible and not-too-distant future collapsed american society, Parable of the Sower is enthralling in its character’s struggle for survival against a world consumed by destitution, violence, and corporate oppression. The blossoming of our main character Lauren’s new religion of Earthseed and the vision of a new and transformed world that it brings drives the story forward and teaches us that we cannot build something new without first risking everything.

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reneerianne's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

What an amazing read. I can see why this is compared to the likes of 1984 and The Handmaid's Tale, though I did find it to be a completely different type of book. I loved reading this in the year 2024, which is also where the story begins. Though we're not quite there yet in terms of climate change and climate refugees, we are, unfortunately, well on our way to get there. It's remarkable how (despite the dates) this story stands the test of time. It still feels very modern even though the book is more than 30 years old. I really loved the characters and the elements of found family. I did find some scenes hard to read due to the violence and injuries (check the trigger warnings!), but they added to the overall feeling of powerlessness. I didn't relate as much to the parts about religion. However, I think it's very fitting to turn to religion in dire situations like these. Overall, a very good read and plausible exploration of what might happen over the next couple of decades as climate change gets worse... Now onto a happier read.

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pola_reads's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense 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? No

4.5

This book is one of those books that will stay with me for a while. It’s a difficult one to read because of its frighteningly relevance of themes that we sadly see today. It’s a brilliant read. It’s my first read of Octavia Butler’s, but it definitely won’t be my last.

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