A review by astridrv
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

dark informative inspiring medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

So good! It took me a while to really get into this book, but Lauren's voice is very compelling and the plot developed really well. It is an extremely bleak book, but that matches the "if this goes on" feeling I have in general about the world. In fact, the core of the book remains hopeful, in a deep, strong, and constructive way. It is a brilliant idea to infuse such wisdom and strength of character in a young person who has very little reason to remain alive and kicking, and yet chooses to build community not because it is easy and fluffy, but because it is the hard work of keeping the world alive. Can't wait for the second book.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Body horror, Death, and Fire/Fire injury

Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Torture, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, and Murder

Minor: Animal death, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Incest, Pedophilia, Racism, Rape, Slavery, Police brutality, and Cannibalism