A review by quay
Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler

adventurous dark sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

 I rooted for Anyanwu so hard throughout this story and came back after starting Mind of My Mind to give her character even more praise. While I didn’t necessarily like her, I enjoyed reading about her struggle against an unbeatable power. There was a pain and misery that felt real and oppressive, covering the story. I found myself disgusted with Doro, distraught along with the other characters, and wondering where it all leads.
I appreciate the commentary on slavery—Doro’s approach is so cold, as he doesn’t consider himself part of the African race. It’s interesting, and I would have liked more insight into how he can be born of them but not feel that they’re his people, yet see those born from him as his own. I liked this book a lot, and I listened to the audio version. 

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