A review by laurareads87
A Handful of Earth, a Handful of Sky: The World of Octavia Butler by Lynell George

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

A Handful of Earth, a Handful of Sky: The World of Octavia E. Butler is best described in author Lynell George's words: it is "not a biography, or is it a study of [Butler's] literary legacy" [20]; rather, it is "an examination of Octavia E. Butler's step-by-step, quotidian process and life path" and "a book of ideas, prescriptions, and possibilities" [21].  I was not entirely sure what to expect of this book based only on the description on the cover but I am so glad I picked it up.  George has, via a deep exploration of the ephemera of the Octavia Butler Papers archive, woven a story of Butler as creator of not only her science fiction, but of herself.  I feel immensely appreciative of George's work here: I know the joys and frustrations of archival research, all the tangents and trails one can find oneself on, and what Lynell George has produced from her exploration of Butler's archive is truly extraordinary.  I am inspired and grateful.  Highly, highly recommend, and cannot wait to read more of Lynell George's work.
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