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tawallah's review
challenging
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? Yes
2.5
This is a type of creation myth where an amoral being, Doro, finds his “Eve” in 17th Century Africa. With the background setting of the slave trading, essentially this is the beginning of a story of an immortal being Doro is seeking to create special powers among his seed. But Anyawu, Sun Woman is anything but tractable. She is a shapeshifter and healer. She is his equal and only possible companion. He wants absolute dominion and obedience as he fulfills his dream.
Butler tackles her constant themes in this series. Here, eugenics, power dynamics and gender clash. Slavery is forever the undercurrent in her books. But it is unclear from this entry, the true purpose of Doro dream. He has no ability to predict the future, his arrogance and pride makes him slow to gain wisdom. Anyawu is the stereotypical woman - healer and builder of family. She is determined to be free and yet submits repeatedly to Doro. Often, reminding me of a woman suffering from abuse. But I fail to comprehend the purpose of this story. It is dark, repulsive and has moments of sublime irony. But its purpose - remains elusive.
Butler tackles her constant themes in this series. Here, eugenics, power dynamics and gender clash. Slavery is forever the undercurrent in her books. But it is unclear from this entry, the true purpose of Doro dream. He has no ability to predict the future, his arrogance and pride makes him slow to gain wisdom. Anyawu is the stereotypical woman - healer and builder of family. She is determined to be free and yet submits repeatedly to Doro. Often, reminding me of a woman suffering from abuse. But I fail to comprehend the purpose of this story. It is dark, repulsive and has moments of sublime irony. But its purpose - remains elusive.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Incest, Racial slurs, Rape, Slavery, Suicide, and Violence
Moderate: Child death, Forced institutionalization, and Colonisation
alsoapples's review
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Incest, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Trafficking, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Ableism, Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Abortion, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Colonisation
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