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A review by lilybear3
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
I listened to this as an unabridged audiobook read by Lynne Thigpen. They have a lovely voice that is graceful, yet captures the heaviness. This is one of the best dystopian novels I have read. Her messages on social injustices and climate change are true and prophetic. I was highly engaged for the majority of the book, but I lost a little interest towards the end when more and more people joined the group on the journey. It was about when Emery and Mora showed up . There were a lot of scenes and imagery that felt like it was added for shock value, but I think that is the reality of the world they live in. I was not a fan of the age-gap relationship, but I interpreted it as commentary on how children mature way too fast when in an environment that forces them to grow up. Characterization was fantastic. There were great descriptions while also characterizing through the characters' actions. Watching Lauren grow into her own and write about her spiritual and philosophical beliefs was so interesting. I thought the ending was fitting, it wasn't amazing, but acceptable. I'm glad I read this classic.
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Child death, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Police brutality, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Slavery
Minor: Cannibalism