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

5.0

Riveting. Lauren's voice is so strong and distinct. I couldn't stay away from her perseverance and dedication to the Earthseed religion she develops, the hope it promises in a devolving world. That world is just a single terrifying step away from our own, and in some cases not even that far away. Greedy corporations privatizing everything from water to emergency help, charging premiums for substandard (or nonexistent) service, and instituting slavery conditions marketed as protection. Politicians who ignore the issues around them and make promises they never keep. The seemingly incongruous reminders of "civilization" like laws and insurance companies that paint a stark and grimly hilarious contrast to the realities of the characters' lives. The description of science fiction as being just a progression of what the author sees happening already is never more true than it is in this book. I can't wait to see what happens to Lauren and her community in the next book.