A review by introvertsbookclub
Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler

adventurous challenging dark emotional informative medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

It is frightening how prescient this novel is. I checked the publication date more than once because the events or descriptions were so similar to events, or leaders or public reactions from the last few years. The main characters and the mother-daughter dynamic between them kept me reading because it was so uniquely interesting. The traumas that were experienced throughout the novel were carefully written (emotional without being overly explicit or gratuitous) and they made me question the possibility of communities, the corruptibility of even well-meaning leaders, and how difficult it is to make anyone else take accountability. The way Butler confronts such heavy topics is one of her greatest strengths as a writer. As someone reading sci-fi/fantasy for the first time in years, this is the perfect reintroduction to the genre; it is engaging without relying on heavy world building and close enough to the present day to keep you thinking. I love Butler’s style and I can’t wait to read more by her.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings