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A review by gracef1221
Patternmaster by Octavia E. Butler
adventurous
reflective
fast-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
4.75
This book was so incredibly engaging and an intriguing way to end a four book series. From her biography, learning that Butler wrote patternmaster first makes sense to me, and she created a complex and difficult world mirroring our own to build up the narrative of this final book. She is truly a genius.
The idea of enslavement is so strong throughout this series, offering up so many different scenarios and character dynamics. First, Anyawho and Doro's breeding program. The "leash" of the pattern when it's first created and the harsh treatment of mutes going forward. The alien that is a true parasite and robs the hosts of their old lives and ways, forcing them to transform into animal-like humanoids. All these situations are so closely tied to the experience of black enslaved peoples in the US and call to remind readers of the brutality those with power inflicted and continue to inflict to black and brown people.
Additionally, power and leadership are seen in so many different characters and their flaws. Doro is cruel and views everyone as expendable. Mary is imaginative and cares deeply for those she's leads through the pattern. Specifically seeking out those who are experiencing and inflicting pain to help rehabilitate them. Eli is grappling with his trauma while still living in it, but trying to contain the spread of the alien disease while caring for his new found (infected) family. Teray and Coransee show very different ways of leading in a more fantasy-like society with lords and their subjects.
Butler has easily risen to be one of my favorite authors. We are so truly honored to be able to read her works, especially in the current state of the US. Now more than ever, we should be looking to, learning from and supporting black and indigenous leaders and scholars. Thank you Octavia Butler.
The idea of enslavement is so strong throughout this series, offering up so many different scenarios and character dynamics. First, Anyawho and Doro's breeding program. The "leash" of the pattern when it's first created and the harsh treatment of mutes going forward. The alien that is a true parasite and robs the hosts of their old lives and ways, forcing them to transform into animal-like humanoids. All these situations are so closely tied to the experience of black enslaved peoples in the US and call to remind readers of the brutality those with power inflicted and continue to inflict to black and brown people.
Additionally, power and leadership are seen in so many different characters and their flaws. Doro is cruel and views everyone as expendable. Mary is imaginative and cares deeply for those she's leads through the pattern. Specifically seeking out those who are experiencing and inflicting pain to help rehabilitate them. Eli is grappling with his trauma while still living in it, but trying to contain the spread of the alien disease while caring for his new found (infected) family. Teray and Coransee show very different ways of leading in a more fantasy-like society with lords and their subjects.
Butler has easily risen to be one of my favorite authors. We are so truly honored to be able to read her works, especially in the current state of the US. Now more than ever, we should be looking to, learning from and supporting black and indigenous leaders and scholars. Thank you Octavia Butler.