83 pages • 2 hours read
Parable of the Sower
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Book Brief
352
Novel • Fiction
California • 2020s
1993
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler follows Lauren Oya Olamina, a teenage girl with hyperempathy, navigating a post-apocalyptic society plagued by climate change and societal collapse. Her walled community near Los Angeles eventually gets destroyed by arsonists, leading Lauren and two allies to travel north. Along the way, they form a group, adopt Earthseed, Lauren's new belief system, and strive to build a new life on land owned by Bankole, a much older man with whom Lauren develops a romantic relationship. Sensitive topics include sexual abuse, drug use, and violence.
Dark
Mysterious
Challenging
Contemplative
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
201,424 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Octavia E. Butler's Parable of the Sower is praised for its powerful storytelling and profound social commentary. Reviewers commend its visionary, dystopian world and the complex protagonist. Critics, however, note the pacing can be uneven and some plot points may feel underdeveloped. Nevertheless, it remains a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Parable of the Sower?
A reader who would enjoy Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler is likely drawn to dystopian fiction with deep social commentary, complex characters, and themes of survival and resilience. Fans of The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood and 1984 by George Orwell would appreciate its poignant exploration of societal collapse and human hope.
201,424 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Keith Olamina: Lauren's younger brother, who is angry and acts selfishly, making him a foil to Lauren. His actions put the family at risk, but he provides Lauren with valuable information from the world beyond their community.
Keith Olamina: Lauren's younger brother, who is angry and acts selfishly, making him a foil to Lauren. His actions put the family at risk, but he provides Lauren with valuable information from the world beyond their community.
Taylor Franklin Bankole: A 57-year-old stranger who becomes Lauren's mentor and love interest. He joins Lauren's group, bringing compassion and the possibility of a new home, disrupting patriarchal expectations and supporting Lauren's vision with Earthseed.
352
Novel • Fiction
California • 2020s
1993
Adult
18+ years
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