A review by cjwitch
Parable of the Sower: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Octavia E. Butler

4.0

I have never read the novel, so this is a review from someone introduced to this dystopia directly through the graphic novel adaptation. I went into this with only two real pieces of information: 1) It’s on the banned book list -therefore a must read- and 2) it takes place on a world ravaged by climate change. 

The Art: the art style used to depict this story was absolutely perfect. It conveyed so much of the emotion of the tale, alternating between grotesque, horrifying, terrifying, yet at times still stunningly beautiful. The art sucks you into this world as thoroughly as Lauren’s (fmc) writings do, and many of the scenes will stick with you long after you finish reading. 

The Story: this book takes place from 2024-2027 and follows a cast of characters fighting for survival in a violent, brutal world. I didn’t expect this to center as heavily around God and religion as it does. I don’t know if the novel gets more into the intricacies of climate change and the authoritarian politics, but in the graphic novel it felt like those concepts were backdrops for the religion being created by Lauren. Despite this, the topics were evident throughout, along with heavy commentary on social inequity and capitalism.

The story itself is captivating, and terrifyingly real. So much of what takes place within the story reflects happenings around the country today: a warning of where we are headed. Yet, despite every reason in which it shouldn’t exist within these pages, this story is filled with a determined optimism. There is community and love; there are people willing to help each other even in the face of danger. There is hope that in banding together, something new can be created and maybe, just maybe, we can make it through. 

Overall, this graphic novel was a great introduction, but it felt like it captured the heart of something without the nuance and it left me wanting to dive deeper. I will definitely be reading the novel.