A review by heyleigh05
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

adventurous dark reflective tense medium-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? Yes

4.5

 

I mad that I didn’t know about Octavia Butler sooner. The education system has truly failed me because there is no reason but racism that I never heard of her in high school. Parable of the Sower is the first Octavia Butler novel that I’ve read but I’ve decided that I will be reading every book she’s published! I really enjoyed Parable of the Sower! It got better as the book went on. The first third of the book I was mildly interested in what was happening, but I didn’t really feel connected to the characters. But certain events happen then the book picks and I was hooked. I really enjoyed the journey/adventure of aspect of the book. I like books that have an epic journey concept. Lauren Olamina is also such a fun character to read. I found her to be so funny in this book. She has a dry humor and even some of the things she does are amusing. Lauren is practical, clever, resourceful, and ambitious. I just really enjoyed her character. I also appreciate her imagination and pensiveness. How many teenagers do you know who are discovering a new religion? Lauren is also receptive to criticism and she’s not stubborn, that’s what makes her a good leader. She’s level-headed and decisive, but she’s also attentive and caring. She cares about truly creating community and sharing responsibility. 

The cultural and social relevance goes without saying. Countless others have gone to greater depths to unpack this novel, so I don’t feel the need to go through it. The novel is clear commentary on systemic racism, wealth inequity, poverty, environmental destruction, political corruption, etc. To me this feels like a timeless novel and it goes feel like it was written in 1993. The writing feels very current. I will be reading the second book as soon as I can and I very much look forward to how the story will expand.