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A review by jnzllwgr
Octavia E. Butler: Kindred, Fledgling, Collected Stories (Loa #338) by Octavia E. Butler
4.0
Finally wrapping up this large collection, this is my third post acknowledging the short stories and essays in the book. While "Fledgling" and "Kindred" left me wanting more, the short stories were incredible. I found it surprising to be reading the same author. I was also surprised to learn that she describes herself as a novelist who struggles with shorter forms.
I’ve read that "Parable of the Sower" and "The Xenogenesis Trilogy" are her strongest works. Regardless, these short stories were sharp, focused, well-paced, and left me with little to ask for. Sure, they could be expanded into larger works, but there is something very tidy about the short story that allows the reader’s imagination the freedom to diverge.
One of the essays was about being a Black woman science fiction writer, one of the first. I was moved by her nuanced views on introducing women and minorities into a genre dominated by white men. Unlike our present condition that seems to continue to emphasize differences, Butler appeared to seek the eradication of any distinction. Race, gender, and orientation would all become anecdotal to the story, providing necessary back-story to give the characters dimension and allowing readers of all backgrounds to identify with them. She conveyed the sameness humanity shares, despite those differences. Wisely, Butler leveraged her craft to explore a range of topics that transcended individual specifics, aiming to identify the universal.
I’ve read that "Parable of the Sower" and "The Xenogenesis Trilogy" are her strongest works. Regardless, these short stories were sharp, focused, well-paced, and left me with little to ask for. Sure, they could be expanded into larger works, but there is something very tidy about the short story that allows the reader’s imagination the freedom to diverge.
One of the essays was about being a Black woman science fiction writer, one of the first. I was moved by her nuanced views on introducing women and minorities into a genre dominated by white men. Unlike our present condition that seems to continue to emphasize differences, Butler appeared to seek the eradication of any distinction. Race, gender, and orientation would all become anecdotal to the story, providing necessary back-story to give the characters dimension and allowing readers of all backgrounds to identify with them. She conveyed the sameness humanity shares, despite those differences. Wisely, Butler leveraged her craft to explore a range of topics that transcended individual specifics, aiming to identify the universal.