Book Review: Parable of The Talents by Octavia E. Butler
An incredible and devastating story that everyone needs to read.
What an incredible and devastating read.
I loved how this book was structured. The journal entries, not just from Olamina, but from Bankole and from Marc, beautifully woven together with her daughter’s perspective and voice as she shared her perspective. It was beautifully done.
It was so bleak at times, but I understand why Butler’s writing is said to be prophetic. There are definite parallels to today’s world, even though it was written in the 90s.
"Choose your leaders with wisdom and forethought. To be led by a coward is to be controlled by all that the coward fears."
I think I read the last half of the book with my hand over my gaping by mouth, I was just so shaken by what happened mid-story. The event was a bit triggering, so be warned if you choose to read this book. It's an important read, but she holds nothing back.
I felt so much heartbreak I felt for our characters and how their stories played out. My heart aches even now, thinking about it. I wish there was more to this story - Octavia E. Butler was meant to write more in this series before she passed in 2008, however I do think that she ended it in a good place.
“In order to rise
From its own ashes
A phoenix
First
Must
Burn.”
This is definitely going to be a contender for my best book of the year. It’s going to be hard to compete. I'll definitely be reading more of her work in the near future.
Rating: ★★★★★
Book Summary
- Title: Parable of The Talents
- Author: Octavia E. Butler
- Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian
- Who Should Read It? Anyone who's read the dark and very real previous novel, Parable of the Sower.
Synopsis: In 2032, Lauren Olamina has survived the destruction of her home and family, and realized her vision of a peaceful community in northern California based on her newly founded faith, Earthseed. The fledgling community provides refuge for outcasts facing persecution after the election of an ultra-conservative president who vows to "make America great again." In an increasingly divided and dangerous nation, Lauren's subversive colony--a minority religious faction led by a young black woman--becomes a target for President Jarret's reign of terror and oppression.
