Reviews tagging 'Self harm'

Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler

13 reviews

catsy2022's review against another edition

dark emotional inspiring tense medium-paced

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

4.0

 Rating: A

The continuation of Olamina's story is equally brutal and emotional. With dual perspectives of both Asha and Olamina (through diary entries), we can see how the idea of Earthseed grew and changed. This story just didn't stop with the emotional scenes and the terror and dread. I felt the absolute despair when the group were facing down Christian America. I saw shades of history and the present America throughout this book. Radical Christians kidnapping heathen children to brainwash them into being good Christians, yet their own religion is rife with corruption and sin.

I really empathise with Olamina's desire to grow Earthseed and how she is surrounded by doubt and question. She anticipates that and so runs gatherings to encourage discourse. The concept of God representing Change really makes sense in their world as a religion to follow due to the unexpected outcomes and danger - normal people can't travel anywhere without being attacked.

I also liked the story coming together at the end and we see how despite the circumstances, the viewers may not get the ending they want.

Tragic all around and very human.

 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Torture, Child abuse, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Religious bigotry, Trafficking, Slavery, Rape, Pedophilia, and Misogyny

Moderate: Ableism, Racism, Pregnancy, and Homophobia

Minor: Abortion, Suicide, Self harm, and Miscarriage

Which content warnings does this book not have?

stephr's review against another edition

adventurous dark sad tense slow-paced

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

5.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Hate crime, Homophobia, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Murder, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Slavery, Torture, Trafficking, and Violence

emhunsber's review against another edition

adventurous dark reflective sad medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Thought-provoking and complex, Talents continues the story of Lauren and her Earthseed community, following the struggles and triumphs of establishing both a physical community and a religious movement. Striking a balance between macro- and micro-focused storytelling, Butler's prophetic writing speaks to the struggles of racism, sexism, and economic inequality intertwining with a politician who thrives on polarization inflamed by fear and instability, and examines the downfall and rebuilding of a nation quick to scapegoat for survival. Both introspective and acutely perceptive, Talents invites readers to imagine a future in which a grassroots movement can create lasting and effective change, while depicting characters and storylines that are realistic and loveable.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence, Slavery, Sexism, Physical abuse, Murder, Hate crime, Gun violence, Genocide, Emotional abuse, and Death

Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Biphobia, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gun violence, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Torture

Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Biphobia, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Homophobia, Incest, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Religious bigotry, Self harm, and Suicidal thoughts