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A review by machen27
Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
There are so many ideas in this book and it's prequel, Parable of the Sower. Both are difficult reads because they unflinchingly depcit the terrible things humans can do to each other, yet they also ask about how we make the world better than it was in spite of all of this. This book also deals more with parenthood, though to say more would be to spoil it. More than anything though, the book feels important, especially now in 2022.
Graphic: Abandonment, Violence, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Sexual assault, War, Xenophobia, and Sexual content
Minor: Suicide
Sometimes one must talk about terrible things. The harrowing world Butler creates is worth engaging with, is meant to evoke discomfort. Do not avoid it because it may make you uncomfortable.