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h3atpenz's review against another edition
5.0
This book stands out among dystopias 100%. It offers a sense of hope that others don't. I really think its because other authors (primarily white men bc they dominate the genre) had/have just started discovering how shitty the world is and are being nihilistic in a lacking-substance and unconstructive kind of way about it. But Octavia Butler, amongst other Black women and women of color who write for dystopia, have felt and faced reality for centuries over. Being able to make best of what you have when the world is against you has become a survival trait
So, even though a tragic picture has been painted in Parable of the Sower, Lauren's (Loren, haha) ability to unite people, form her community, and find a sense of belonging and family provides a sense of hope for Butler's readers. Careful adaptability is highlighted as a desirable trait multiple times throughout the book, so a lot of times, Parable of the Sower can be interpreted a how-to survival guide.
Altogether, when the world's going to shit, remember that God is Change.
So, even though a tragic picture has been painted in Parable of the Sower, Lauren's (Loren, haha) ability to unite people, form her community, and find a sense of belonging and family provides a sense of hope for Butler's readers. Careful adaptability is highlighted as a desirable trait multiple times throughout the book, so a lot of times, Parable of the Sower can be interpreted a how-to survival guide.
Altogether, when the world's going to shit, remember that God is Change.
kjcrary's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Death, Murder, Sexual violence, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual assault, Xenophobia, Violence, Gun violence, Drug use, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Drug abuse, and Adult/minor relationship
annabelljar's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
cumbixin's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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? No
5.0
iraxl's review against another edition
dark
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? It's complicated
4.0
emelye's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death of parent, Violence, Gun violence, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, and Child death
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Sexual violence, Blood, Cannibalism, and Drug abuse
codemasterpi's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.5
tlrhfr's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I found the first half of this book really slow, but the second half was very gripping! Like Handmaids Tale, it’s fascinating to see how close we’ve come to parts of the future imagined by Butler in the 90s. I felt inspired by the book and found some of the commentary on social issues really well done (like the return of debt slavery, police violence) but wanted a little more from the book. How did the world get to where it is in the story? Expected a lil more sci fi as well, maybe bc I read Dawn first.
vagabondophelia's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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
3.75
jes_books's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75