donnabelieves's review against another edition
Finished Kindred. Next up, Fledgling.
anjaliiiiiii's review against another edition
I LOVED reading Kindred, but the rest of the book was not as enjoyable to me…. it was especially hard to get through Fledgling.
lematthew00's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
mweisenfeld's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.5
shannanhicks's review against another edition
5.0
It makes me so happy that Octavia Butler's works are being compiled in this amazing collection. I didn't know that she had so many short stories. I have been a huge fan since I read Kindred in college. What a great addition to a personal or public library. She is a master of science fiction, and I say that as a person who really only reads her science fiction. I highly recommend nd will be purchasing.
sharondblk's review against another edition
4.0
I received a free e-arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review - thanks NetGalley.
I've wanted to read Octavia Butler ever since I heard one of her stories on LeVar Burton's podcast, so when this came up on NetGalley I was thrilled. This is a compilation of two of her novels, I think her first and last published, and a fair few short stories.
The problem here is how can I review two very different books and a bunch of short stories? Particularly books that have been so thoroughly reviewed elsewhere?
I'm going to say that I can see why her novels are considered important - from a race and gender point of view. Similarly, her short stories are disturbing, but never without hope.
To summarise, as much as is possible with such diverse material - worth reading, although it's not obvious why these are compiled together.
I've wanted to read Octavia Butler ever since I heard one of her stories on LeVar Burton's podcast, so when this came up on NetGalley I was thrilled. This is a compilation of two of her novels, I think her first and last published, and a fair few short stories.
The problem here is how can I review two very different books and a bunch of short stories? Particularly books that have been so thoroughly reviewed elsewhere?
I'm going to say that I can see why her novels are considered important - from a race and gender point of view. Similarly, her short stories are disturbing, but never without hope.
To summarise, as much as is possible with such diverse material - worth reading, although it's not obvious why these are compiled together.
kaa's review against another edition
4.0
On the whole, a very strong collection of Octavia Butler's work. This compendium includes [b:Kindred|60931|Kindred|Octavia E. Butler|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1339423248l/60931._SY75_.jpg|1049657] and [b:Fledgling|60925|Fledgling|Octavia E. Butler|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1441479816l/60925._SY75_.jpg|59257] (her only two novels that were not, at the time of her death, part of a longer series); eight short stories with afterwards by the author (all seven of the stories collected in [b:Bloodchild and Other Stories|60930|Bloodchild and Other Stories|Octavia E. Butler|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1428806161l/60930._SX50_.jpg|1188455] as well as one of the two stories in [b:Unexpected Stories|22023917|Unexpected Stories|Octavia E. Butler|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1622453013l/22023917._SY75_.jpg|41341687]); and five essays (three from Bloodchild and two others). This manages to cover almost exactly the portion of Butler's oeuvre that I had not yet read before picking up this book, a feat of serendipity that I greatly appreciate. It also includes an introduction by Nisi Shawl - a thoughtful and fitting tribute to Butler's work and life - as well as a chronology of Butler's life and notes on texts at the end.
I had previously read Kindred, and did not re-read it in this collection. Suffice to say that it is an incredible work - one of my favorite Butler novels, vying only with the combined Earthseed series for the top spot. This is an extraordinarily powerful work of literature. Five stars.
Fledgling was the only remaining Butler novel that I had not previously read, and unfortunately, it is also easily my least favorite of her books. While her writing is as engaging as ever, I found the story a bit tedious, occasionally overwhelmed by description and exposition. The juxtaposition of Shori's childlike appearance with her sexual encounters was too uncomfortable for me, even though Shori's voice never sounded childlike. Two stars.
However, although I didn't like Fledgling, I think that this novel, in combination with the other stories collected here, does give a good sense of Butler's writing style and themes that were of interest to her - namely power, morality, sexuality, communication and compromise across difference, the creation of community, choice and free will. I loved all but one of the short stories. They touch on all of the themes just mentioned, and do so with Butler's characteristic creativity and originality. Her stories include ideas that also appear in her novels, like aliens and telepathy. I think it was a good choice to end this section with "The Book of Martha", which combines cynicism and hope for a truly Butlerian utopia.
The third section of the book consists of five essays, including the preface to Bloodchild. These are all fairly short, but provide a nice way of rounding out the book. They express a little more explicitly some of the thoughts and experiences that underlie Butler's fiction and offer some insight into how she viewed herself and her work.
Finally, there is a chronology of Butler's life, some notes on the selection and presentation of the texts, and reference notes, which will be useful for anyone looking for more information about the author or the works included in this collection.
In sum: there isn't really anything new in this book, but it does a good job of gathering together several separate works and arranging them with a nice introduction and some informational closing material.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this book.
I had previously read Kindred, and did not re-read it in this collection. Suffice to say that it is an incredible work - one of my favorite Butler novels, vying only with the combined Earthseed series for the top spot. This is an extraordinarily powerful work of literature. Five stars.
Fledgling was the only remaining Butler novel that I had not previously read, and unfortunately, it is also easily my least favorite of her books. While her writing is as engaging as ever, I found the story a bit tedious, occasionally overwhelmed by description and exposition. The juxtaposition of Shori's childlike appearance with her sexual encounters was too uncomfortable for me, even though Shori's voice never sounded childlike. Two stars.
However, although I didn't like Fledgling, I think that this novel, in combination with the other stories collected here, does give a good sense of Butler's writing style and themes that were of interest to her - namely power, morality, sexuality, communication and compromise across difference, the creation of community, choice and free will. I loved all but one of the short stories. They touch on all of the themes just mentioned, and do so with Butler's characteristic creativity and originality. Her stories include ideas that also appear in her novels, like aliens and telepathy. I think it was a good choice to end this section with "The Book of Martha", which combines cynicism and hope for a truly Butlerian utopia.
The third section of the book consists of five essays, including the preface to Bloodchild. These are all fairly short, but provide a nice way of rounding out the book. They express a little more explicitly some of the thoughts and experiences that underlie Butler's fiction and offer some insight into how she viewed herself and her work.
Finally, there is a chronology of Butler's life, some notes on the selection and presentation of the texts, and reference notes, which will be useful for anyone looking for more information about the author or the works included in this collection.
In sum: there isn't really anything new in this book, but it does a good job of gathering together several separate works and arranging them with a nice introduction and some informational closing material.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this book.
purplelorikeet's review against another edition
5.0
Although my reading interests tend more towards fantasy, I do enjoy a lot of science fiction too. This collection of works by Octavia Butler is an excellent introduction to the writer. I've been hearing about Octavia Butler for the past decade or two but hadn't taken steps to finally read her work until this collection appeared. I certainly intend to read much more. The highlight is obviously Kindred, a novel that evokes quite a few different emotions in the reader, particularly about race. The Fledgling does so in different ways with a totally different sort of story that is part fantasy and part science fiction. These novels are the centerpiece with a selection of short stories and other writings to complete this volume. Again, it's a wonderful selection to get the reader into Butler's work.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Library of America for sharing an advanced reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
I rate this 4.5 stars.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Library of America for sharing an advanced reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
I rate this 4.5 stars.
leticiatoraci's review against another edition
5.0
Original, deep, and thought provoking. I will continue to read other books by [a:Octavia E. Butler|29535|Octavia E. Butler|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1242244143p2/29535.jpg] after this awesome collection.
Kindred - Not an easy read, but deeply touching. - 5 stars!
***********************************************
Fledgling - This YA vampire style story with weird adult content (pedophilia) is well written but the mentioned content made me not like this part of the book. Adding to that, I have already read too many vampire stories so it's nearly impossible for me to be surprised by any vampire tropes. - 2 stars
***********************************************
Collected Stories
I really like the short stories, they are extremely well written.
Childfinder - Interesting short story. I would like to read a whole novel about that world. It felt like a chapter of a longer story. 4 Stars
Crossover- Great, well-written and deeply touching short story of real life struggle. 5 Stars!
Near of Kin- I won't say much not to spoil it, but quite original. 4 Stars.
Speech Sounds - Well written, dystopic short story with a dash of hope, beautiful and touching. - 5 Stars!
Bloodchild - Original story about humans and aliens. - 4 Stars
The Evening and The Morning and The Night - 3,5 Stars
Intriguing story about a genetic disease and its implications.
Amnesty- Very original story about alien invasion and first contact. - 5 stars!
The Book of Martha - A short story that makes you wonder what would you do if you were in Martha's place. 4 stars.
********************************************
Essays:
Her essays have a lot of awesome advice for writers. I was writing down my favorite quote: "It's amazing what we can do if we simply refuse to give up." - 5 stars!
********************************************
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Kindred - Not an easy read, but deeply touching. - 5 stars!
***********************************************
Fledgling - This YA vampire style story with weird adult content (pedophilia) is well written but the mentioned content made me not like this part of the book. Adding to that, I have already read too many vampire stories so it's nearly impossible for me to be surprised by any vampire tropes. - 2 stars
***********************************************
Collected Stories
I really like the short stories, they are extremely well written.
Childfinder - Interesting short story. I would like to read a whole novel about that world. It felt like a chapter of a longer story. 4 Stars
Crossover- Great, well-written and deeply touching short story of real life struggle. 5 Stars!
Near of Kin- I won't say much not to spoil it, but quite original. 4 Stars.
Speech Sounds - Well written, dystopic short story with a dash of hope, beautiful and touching. - 5 Stars!
Bloodchild - Original story about humans and aliens. - 4 Stars
The Evening and The Morning and The Night - 3,5 Stars
Intriguing story about a genetic disease and its implications.
Amnesty- Very original story about alien invasion and first contact. - 5 stars!
The Book of Martha - A short story that makes you wonder what would you do if you were in Martha's place. 4 stars.
********************************************
Essays:
Her essays have a lot of awesome advice for writers. I was writing down my favorite quote: "It's amazing what we can do if we simply refuse to give up." - 5 stars!
********************************************
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
quirkycatsfatstacks's review against another edition
4.0
I received a copy of Octavia E. Butler: Kindred, Fledgling, Collected Stories in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Octavia E. Butler is a foundational author of science fiction – yet I had never had the pleasure of reading her works. Not until very recently. Horrible of me, I know. When I saw Octavia E. Butler: Kindred, Fledgling, Collected Stories, I knew that this was my chance to finally correct that mistake.
Included in this collection are two full novels (Kindred and Fledgling), eight short stories (Childfinder, Crossover, Near of Kin, Speech Sounds, Bloodchild, The Evening and the Morning and the Night, Amnesty, and The Book of Martha), and several essays. Together, this collection gives a cohesive view at Octavia E. Butler's writing. Mind you – this is far from being a collection of everything she's written. That would make for a significantly larger and more unwieldy tomb.
Kindred
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Kindred is one of those foundational science fiction/time travel novels that I've been hearing about all of my life. Written by Octavia E. Butler, it's been a novel sitting on my TBR list for way too long. Time to correct that mistake.
Kindred is a blend of science fiction, and historical fiction, with strong time travel, fantasy, and memoir elements mixed in for added elements. It follows Dana, a woman with a strong connection to a dark time in America's history.
She is the descendant of slaves, a fact that is thrown into the forefront thanks to the unexpected ability to travel back in time. But only to one focus. Over the course of this novel, she learns about the causes for her trips, as well as the history – and horror – of her family's past.
“Repressive societies always seemed to understand the danger of "wrong" ideas.”
Honestly, I am so blown away by Kindred. I don't even know where to begin this review. I can already see why Octavia Butler is so highly talked about – and can't wait to continue reading through her works.
This novel is moving for a variety of reasons. The combination of fiction and fact makes for a raw and painful read – but it's also powerful and beautiful. It addresses many issues, but it does so through a specific lens, and I hope that this will make it more approachable. It certainly worked well in regards to increasing the impact. As this is a book that had me crying on more than one occasion.
“Like all good works of fiction, it lies like the truth.”
Kindred is a novel to read if you want to be fascinated, horrified, blow over, and more. It portrays a darker side of history, and humanity, all while raising many interesting points and questions. It'll shake you to your core, as it should.
Fledgling
★ ★ ★
Before now, I've only read one other novel by Octavia Butler, and that was only recently. Still, I just knew that I had to read her take on vampires. Seriously, I had such high hopes, even before reading the description of this tale.
Fledgling begins with our girl waking up. She has no memories, she's hurting, and she's hungry. Slowly, her functions and her memories return. As does her understanding. Of the world, and of herself. She's a vampire, and she knows what that means. What she has to do to survive.
This is Octavia Butler's take on vampirism, blending common tropes and elements known to vampire lore together with her own unique take and twists on the matter. Despite the vampire elements, this is wholly a science fiction story, as further reading will reveal.
“When your rage is choking you, it is best to say nothing.”
I'll confess, Fledgling left me stumped. Mostly on how to review and rate it. On the one hand, I love that it surprised me. It has been a hot minute since I read a vampire novel that was more firmly set in science fiction rather than fantasy.
On the other hand, this novel made me fairly uncomfortable at times. And not for the reasons you might be assuming. I know that vampires can come in all ages and sizes – and that the way they look is not automatically representative of how old they actually are.
Still, it was off-putting to read about a young-bodied (read: child) vampire with an old soul and history. It's a theme I try to avoid when diving into vampire books, so this is not a dig aimed at Octavia Butler. I want to be clear on that count.
“Or it's happening because Shori is black, and racists—probably Ina racists—don't like the idea that a good part of the answer to your daytime problems is melanin.”
Thankfully, Butler's writing is still really amazing and impressive. Once again she managed to raise so many other elements and questions to the surface, and that made this read worth it. Even if I didn't enjoy the parts I already mentioned above.
Fledgling is probably not a vampire story for everyone. Still, it did make for an interesting and emotional read. Just not for the reasons that I had anticipated.
Childfinder
★ ★ ★ ★
Childfinder is a fascinating yet thought-provoking story. It is one that feels like it both begins and ends in the middle – yet that actually works in its favor. Though I don't think any reader would say no to learning more about this world, or the characters within.
Crossover
★ ★ ★ ★
Crossover is a short story that cuts to the quick, especially for anyone who has spent any time in a factory. The soul-crushing nature of the tale really does jump right out at the reader here, once again showcasing how talented of a writer Octavia Butler was.
Near of Kin
★ ★ ★ ★
Near of Kin is another heartbreaking and poignant short story. What I'm starting to get at here is, this is a collection everyone (especially science fiction fans) should be putting aside some time to read.
Also, as the afterward made a point of emphasizing – this short has absolutely nothing in common with Kindred. They do not share the same world, or anything else. It seemed obvious while reading, but now it feels important to clarify.
Speech Sounds
★ ★ ★
There are stories that break your heart, and then there's Speech Sounds. This entire short reads as being so very tired and worn out. It leaves a somber impression, which after reading the afterward, was at least partially the intent/mindset at the time.
Bloodchild
★ ★ ★ ★
Bloodchild, in many ways, felt like the heaviest science fiction short of the bunch (so far), something that must be appreciated. Honestly, this world and concept are really heavy, and yet it is so tempting to say that I want to see it explored further. It delves deep into a dark implication, and leaves the reader lost in thought.
The Evening and the Morning and the Night
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Oh god, I honestly think that The Evening and the Morning and the Night might just be my favorite short story out of this entire collection. Yes, it's dark. But it's also brilliant and so intense. I would have given anything to keep reading.
Amnesty
★ ★ ★ ★
Amnesty is inspired by the events surrounding Doctor Wen Ho Lee of Los Alamos (1990s). You can feel the weight of the words, and perhaps it's just me, but the connection to the real world felt so very strong in her writing here.
The Book of Martha
★ ★ ★ ★
The Book of Martha is the only Utopian story in this collection, and it is so different from many of the options floating out in the world. I really appreciated this unique view, including the twists of this particular conversation.
Lost Races of Science Fiction
Lost Races of Science Fiction is the first essay included in this collection. I've decided not to leave star ratings for these – but I do strongly urge them to be read as well. They're fascinating and insightful. Here, Octavia Butler speaks out about the treatment of minorities in fiction. Her personal experience, history, and observations. But also the impact, and the importance of their inclusion. It's a powerfully written essay.
Positive Obsession
Originally titled “Birth of a Writer” (in Essence magazine), Positive Obsession is Octavia Butler's story of how she came to be a writer. From where and how she learned to read, to her driving passions as a child, and forward on as she kept up the battle.
Furor Scribendi
Furor Scribendi is probably the easiest essay to summarize: it's a condensed guide/speech for new writers. You can tell that this is something she probably had to repeat on several occasions over the years!
The Monophobic Response
This is an introspective essay. Just as much so for the readers as for the writer, as is surely intended. This one is absolutely worth reading, for the ways it will get you thinking.
Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Octavia E. Butler is a foundational author of science fiction – yet I had never had the pleasure of reading her works. Not until very recently. Horrible of me, I know. When I saw Octavia E. Butler: Kindred, Fledgling, Collected Stories, I knew that this was my chance to finally correct that mistake.
Included in this collection are two full novels (Kindred and Fledgling), eight short stories (Childfinder, Crossover, Near of Kin, Speech Sounds, Bloodchild, The Evening and the Morning and the Night, Amnesty, and The Book of Martha), and several essays. Together, this collection gives a cohesive view at Octavia E. Butler's writing. Mind you – this is far from being a collection of everything she's written. That would make for a significantly larger and more unwieldy tomb.
Kindred
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Kindred is one of those foundational science fiction/time travel novels that I've been hearing about all of my life. Written by Octavia E. Butler, it's been a novel sitting on my TBR list for way too long. Time to correct that mistake.
Kindred is a blend of science fiction, and historical fiction, with strong time travel, fantasy, and memoir elements mixed in for added elements. It follows Dana, a woman with a strong connection to a dark time in America's history.
She is the descendant of slaves, a fact that is thrown into the forefront thanks to the unexpected ability to travel back in time. But only to one focus. Over the course of this novel, she learns about the causes for her trips, as well as the history – and horror – of her family's past.
“Repressive societies always seemed to understand the danger of "wrong" ideas.”
Honestly, I am so blown away by Kindred. I don't even know where to begin this review. I can already see why Octavia Butler is so highly talked about – and can't wait to continue reading through her works.
This novel is moving for a variety of reasons. The combination of fiction and fact makes for a raw and painful read – but it's also powerful and beautiful. It addresses many issues, but it does so through a specific lens, and I hope that this will make it more approachable. It certainly worked well in regards to increasing the impact. As this is a book that had me crying on more than one occasion.
“Like all good works of fiction, it lies like the truth.”
Kindred is a novel to read if you want to be fascinated, horrified, blow over, and more. It portrays a darker side of history, and humanity, all while raising many interesting points and questions. It'll shake you to your core, as it should.
Fledgling
★ ★ ★
Before now, I've only read one other novel by Octavia Butler, and that was only recently. Still, I just knew that I had to read her take on vampires. Seriously, I had such high hopes, even before reading the description of this tale.
Fledgling begins with our girl waking up. She has no memories, she's hurting, and she's hungry. Slowly, her functions and her memories return. As does her understanding. Of the world, and of herself. She's a vampire, and she knows what that means. What she has to do to survive.
This is Octavia Butler's take on vampirism, blending common tropes and elements known to vampire lore together with her own unique take and twists on the matter. Despite the vampire elements, this is wholly a science fiction story, as further reading will reveal.
“When your rage is choking you, it is best to say nothing.”
I'll confess, Fledgling left me stumped. Mostly on how to review and rate it. On the one hand, I love that it surprised me. It has been a hot minute since I read a vampire novel that was more firmly set in science fiction rather than fantasy.
On the other hand, this novel made me fairly uncomfortable at times. And not for the reasons you might be assuming. I know that vampires can come in all ages and sizes – and that the way they look is not automatically representative of how old they actually are.
Still, it was off-putting to read about a young-bodied (read: child) vampire with an old soul and history. It's a theme I try to avoid when diving into vampire books, so this is not a dig aimed at Octavia Butler. I want to be clear on that count.
“Or it's happening because Shori is black, and racists—probably Ina racists—don't like the idea that a good part of the answer to your daytime problems is melanin.”
Thankfully, Butler's writing is still really amazing and impressive. Once again she managed to raise so many other elements and questions to the surface, and that made this read worth it. Even if I didn't enjoy the parts I already mentioned above.
Fledgling is probably not a vampire story for everyone. Still, it did make for an interesting and emotional read. Just not for the reasons that I had anticipated.
Childfinder
★ ★ ★ ★
Childfinder is a fascinating yet thought-provoking story. It is one that feels like it both begins and ends in the middle – yet that actually works in its favor. Though I don't think any reader would say no to learning more about this world, or the characters within.
Crossover
★ ★ ★ ★
Crossover is a short story that cuts to the quick, especially for anyone who has spent any time in a factory. The soul-crushing nature of the tale really does jump right out at the reader here, once again showcasing how talented of a writer Octavia Butler was.
Near of Kin
★ ★ ★ ★
Near of Kin is another heartbreaking and poignant short story. What I'm starting to get at here is, this is a collection everyone (especially science fiction fans) should be putting aside some time to read.
Also, as the afterward made a point of emphasizing – this short has absolutely nothing in common with Kindred. They do not share the same world, or anything else. It seemed obvious while reading, but now it feels important to clarify.
Speech Sounds
★ ★ ★
There are stories that break your heart, and then there's Speech Sounds. This entire short reads as being so very tired and worn out. It leaves a somber impression, which after reading the afterward, was at least partially the intent/mindset at the time.
Bloodchild
★ ★ ★ ★
Bloodchild, in many ways, felt like the heaviest science fiction short of the bunch (so far), something that must be appreciated. Honestly, this world and concept are really heavy, and yet it is so tempting to say that I want to see it explored further. It delves deep into a dark implication, and leaves the reader lost in thought.
The Evening and the Morning and the Night
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Oh god, I honestly think that The Evening and the Morning and the Night might just be my favorite short story out of this entire collection. Yes, it's dark. But it's also brilliant and so intense. I would have given anything to keep reading.
Amnesty
★ ★ ★ ★
Amnesty is inspired by the events surrounding Doctor Wen Ho Lee of Los Alamos (1990s). You can feel the weight of the words, and perhaps it's just me, but the connection to the real world felt so very strong in her writing here.
The Book of Martha
★ ★ ★ ★
The Book of Martha is the only Utopian story in this collection, and it is so different from many of the options floating out in the world. I really appreciated this unique view, including the twists of this particular conversation.
Lost Races of Science Fiction
Lost Races of Science Fiction is the first essay included in this collection. I've decided not to leave star ratings for these – but I do strongly urge them to be read as well. They're fascinating and insightful. Here, Octavia Butler speaks out about the treatment of minorities in fiction. Her personal experience, history, and observations. But also the impact, and the importance of their inclusion. It's a powerfully written essay.
Positive Obsession
Originally titled “Birth of a Writer” (in Essence magazine), Positive Obsession is Octavia Butler's story of how she came to be a writer. From where and how she learned to read, to her driving passions as a child, and forward on as she kept up the battle.
Furor Scribendi
Furor Scribendi is probably the easiest essay to summarize: it's a condensed guide/speech for new writers. You can tell that this is something she probably had to repeat on several occasions over the years!
The Monophobic Response
This is an introspective essay. Just as much so for the readers as for the writer, as is surely intended. This one is absolutely worth reading, for the ways it will get you thinking.
Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks