ellainalisa's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
ayetaebae's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
5.0
This book gripped me. In some ways, I could understand the humans’ frustration and anger and despair at their loss of freedom but also could not fully comprehend the way some continued to rage, deny what was right before their eyes, and so willingly do harm to those around them, human or otherwise.
As an introduction to Octavia Butler (and Black Sci-Fi in general), this was a great book. I was gripped by this story and could empathize with many of the complex characters. Without a doubt, Nikanj was my favorite and the character I feel closest too.
As an introduction to Octavia Butler (and Black Sci-Fi in general), this was a great book. I was gripped by this story and could empathize with many of the complex characters. Without a doubt, Nikanj was my favorite and the character I feel closest too.
kitkatkitkatia's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
the_knitting_librarian's review against another edition
5.0
Octavia Butler has the remarkable ability of writing her characters in other-wordly/dire situations and them still be able to maintain their humanity. It's definitely a special gift as not every author has the ability to tap into and express human nature quite like Octavia Butler.
keira_reckons's review against another edition
4.0
So much in this about consent, gender, slavery, colonialism.
And of course, what would you do, if the world had ended?
Interesting and challenging. More an allegory of how white humans have treated people of colour from the perspective of people of colour, than an space adventure story.
And of course, what would you do, if the world had ended?
Interesting and challenging. More an allegory of how white humans have treated people of colour from the perspective of people of colour, than an space adventure story.
markandcover's review
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
jo_k_frisch's review
3.0
What a strange book. Good strange, bur still strange
Liked the premise, but only really understood the terminology and such a while into the book
Probably a 3,5
Liked the premise, but only really understood the terminology and such a while into the book
Probably a 3,5
saucemallow's review against another edition
5.0
The book itself was clear and very specifically addressed and isolated problems that have continued to be prevalent in society such as those relating to gender and race. Additionally, I felt that it also subtly demonstrated an overarching analogy relating to the experience of racial minorities that is quite present today. I also really enjoyed how the author made the protagonist strong and responded to issues by using weaker characters. This book feels like it is discussing issues today and directly addressing people in 2022 so it is hard to believe that it was written over thirty years ago.