Genre, Themes, History: This is a work of nonfiction that focuses on the life and work of Octavia E. Butler, a science fiction writer probably most well-known for her novel Kindred, a story of a black woman living in the 1970s in the U.S. who is transported back in time to a slavery plantation where her ancestors lived. Like many people, this novel was my introduction to Butler's work when it was assigned reading in graduate school. Morris dives deep into the publication history of each of Butler's works, while also detailing what Butler went through to become a published science fiction writer, a genre that was long dominated by white men. Butler's goal was to support herself through only her writing. The title of the book comes from a quote in Butler's Parable of the Sower, and is also the title of one of her essays in Bloodchild and Other Stories.
My Verdict: This book is short and sweet, but also a fairly thorough recounting of Butler's life, and her work. Even those who are familiar with the author and her stories will most likely find new information here, particularly regarding Butler's private life and thoughts, but also about the inspiration for some of her most famous work. While many readers are in awe at how some of her work, in particular the Earthseed Duology, seemed to predict recent and current events, Butler disliked being labeled a 'prophet,' and Morris carefully and intelligently explains how Butler was able to reach the conclusions she did. Butler was nothing if not observant, and a researcher, and these traits are among the many factors that lead to her creation of such enduring, and often haunting, literature.
Favorite Moment: I will always love the story of a young Butler watching a bad movie and casually thinking, "Geez, I can write a better story than that." So she did.
Recommended Reading: As I mentioned, Kindred is probably Butler's most famous work. But for the vampire lovers out there, her last novel, Fledgling, is a different take on the genre.
No comments:
Post a Comment