queenfimbrethil 's review for:

Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

5.0

dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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First and foremost; trigger warning- this book is a post apocalyptic view of the future, and it is FULL of violence and rape. SA survivors may have a hard time reading it, as I did. And I absolutely had nightmares when I read it before bed. It reminds me of ‘The Road’ by Cormac McCarthy. Insanely brutal but compelling and moving. In this story, the main character suffers tremendous loss, but also finds meaning in creating a religion of sorts. May we all aspire to be as fierce in the face of tragedy (especially as it feels like the predictions of the book are becoming reality in this current 2025). Recommend if you’re looking for a thought-provoking and intense story.
** also this edition has a forward with MASSIVE SPOILERS for the series. Do not read the forward :(

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Gun violence, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, War