Love this. Makes me think how we don't analyze enough Butler's craft skills at taking a dystopia—one of the darkest in literature—and tackling it pragmatically, so it feels oddly hopeful? "Community" is both important and often pointed to in a vague way, whereas Butler's communities are incredibly specific and complicated; Butler is so good at small group dynamics/ as plot and character/ in a way that goes under-appreciated. The communities present the problem and the solution of the series, over and over again.
I always feel a deep sadness knowing the parable series was meant to be a trilogy. I wonder what learnings and hopes we could draw from the conclusion of that arc.
This was lovely to read, and an affirmation of how Butler continues to shape our lives. Thanks for this!
I read a lot of dystopia and my final take is that I need to know how to grow food, save waters, and get guns. I have land and I garden so I can improve. Wer are installing rainwater tanks this year and digging a well. I live in Italy so getting guns might be tricky.
I absolutely adore Octavia Butler's work. Her work is provacotive, wildly imaginative in her world building, and thought provoking. Her untimely death was a loss to the literary world and the consciousness of the community. If you have not read Octavia Bultler, any of her novels, you will find yourself enriched.
First came across this novel two years ago knowing nothing more than it was “good near future speculative fiction” and holy moly was I pleasantly surprised by how timely it was 🤯
parable of the sower was one of the most incredible reading experiences i've ever had in my life. there's a lot to be said for butler's prophetic vision, but i do appreciate you highlighting how radically optimistic lauren is in the face of such harrowing catastrophes - would love to see a critical analysis of the book + this idea specifically through a religious/regenerative lens!
Thanks for this, along with the list of further readings. It’s been a number of years since I read Parable, and I think it’s time for a reread. I was also thinking about a “historical” event in Star Trek that takes place in late 2024, the Bell Riots in Los Angeles, which, while not based on Butler’s work, offered a parallel fascist vision of the future back in the mid-’90s.
Love this. Makes me think how we don't analyze enough Butler's craft skills at taking a dystopia—one of the darkest in literature—and tackling it pragmatically, so it feels oddly hopeful? "Community" is both important and often pointed to in a vague way, whereas Butler's communities are incredibly specific and complicated; Butler is so good at small group dynamics/ as plot and character/ in a way that goes under-appreciated. The communities present the problem and the solution of the series, over and over again.
I always feel a deep sadness knowing the parable series was meant to be a trilogy. I wonder what learnings and hopes we could draw from the conclusion of that arc.
This was lovely to read, and an affirmation of how Butler continues to shape our lives. Thanks for this!
Absolutely this. Thank you.
I read a lot of dystopia and my final take is that I need to know how to grow food, save waters, and get guns. I have land and I garden so I can improve. Wer are installing rainwater tanks this year and digging a well. I live in Italy so getting guns might be tricky.
I absolutely adore Octavia Butler's work. Her work is provacotive, wildly imaginative in her world building, and thought provoking. Her untimely death was a loss to the literary world and the consciousness of the community. If you have not read Octavia Bultler, any of her novels, you will find yourself enriched.
I’m amazed by the Octavia Butler books.
First came across this novel two years ago knowing nothing more than it was “good near future speculative fiction” and holy moly was I pleasantly surprised by how timely it was 🤯
Glorious introduction to Butler for me. Thank you
Oh well thanks. Drop back in and let us know your thoughts!
parable of the sower was one of the most incredible reading experiences i've ever had in my life. there's a lot to be said for butler's prophetic vision, but i do appreciate you highlighting how radically optimistic lauren is in the face of such harrowing catastrophes - would love to see a critical analysis of the book + this idea specifically through a religious/regenerative lens!
Thanks for this, along with the list of further readings. It’s been a number of years since I read Parable, and I think it’s time for a reread. I was also thinking about a “historical” event in Star Trek that takes place in late 2024, the Bell Riots in Los Angeles, which, while not based on Butler’s work, offered a parallel fascist vision of the future back in the mid-’90s.
I wasn’t aware of just how prophetic Butler was until this essay. This is the push I needed to finally read her.
I'll try again
Okay, fine. I’ll give it another go. I’ve tried to read it a number of times but always put it aside because it feels too scary (read: on the nose).
Excellent round-up and reminder of Parable's importance given our present jitters. Ty!
Your essay has steered me to the next book in my family book club (my kids are adults). Thank you!
July 20 is my birthday, which means I’ll be reading Butler. Thank you, Alex 🙏🏼
what a beautiful essay. thank you.
Thanks Michelle