A review by year23
Survivor by Octavia E. Butler

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense 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? No

5.0

I am surprised at how much I liked this - even with the problematic race/color essentialism replicated in the Kohn, which I think is why Butler disavowed it - it’s a creative and compelling narrative. I see the Star Trek (or even Doctor Who) allusions here and that may be why I liked it more than expected. 

The Tehkohn culture was super interesting, as was the relationship between Diut and Alanna. The theme of survival is strong and I think there are important questions explored in this story that are relevant today (as is common with Butler stories!).