The Parable of the Sower by Octavia E Butler

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The Parable of the Sower by Octavia E Butler
pub: The Women's Press. 299 page paperback. Price Ł 6.99 (UK). ISBN 0 7043 4421-1

check out website: www.the-womens-press.com

Set in the late 2020s, this is the story of Lauren Olamina, a teen-age girl from California.

Set in a world where global warming means fresh water costs more than gasoline, the poor are a disposable, violent menace and communities struggle to survive between the two threats of near-corporate slavery and the invasion of drug-fuelled arsonists.

The Parable of the Sower by Octavia E Butler Against this background, Lauren invests a new religion, Earthseed - where god is charge and heaven is our destiny amongst the stars whilst trying to keep her community afloat and together.

When finally Lauren has to leave, she travels up North avoiding thieves and murderers and gaining converts along the way.

I really enjoyed this book. Wasn't sure I would. Books by people who identify themselves on the cover as 'black feminists' make me slightly wary (nothing wrong with being either - I'd even call myself a feminist but books by self-proclaimed feminists tend to be bloody awful man-hating cack) thankfully the 'Hugo and Nebula award-winning author' bit made me read it.

Stories about survivors in a world gone mad aren't exactly rare but this one is really well done. The writing is slick and vivid and classy and carries you along.

There's a follow-up ‘Parable Of The Talents’ and I'm going to go out and get it as soon as possible. Hope it's as good.

Rachel Broome

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