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29 pages 58 minutes read

Wild Seed

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1980

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Book Brief

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Octavia E. Butler

Wild Seed

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1980
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Africa • 17th century

Theme
Topic
Publication Year

1980

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler follows the interactions of Anyanwu and Doro, two individuals with extraordinary powers and unnaturally long lives, as they navigate a journey beginning in 1690 Africa and ending in America just before the Civil War, facing issues of race, culture, identity, and power within societies they influence. The book includes themes of slavery, violence, and non-consensual relationships.

Mysterious

Dark

Emotional

Fantastical

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.4

38,515 ratings

82%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler is acclaimed for its masterful exploration of complex themes like power, identity, and transformation. Readers praise its vivid characters and thought-provoking narrative. However, some critics find the pacing slow in parts and the plot occasionally convoluted. Overall, it stands out as a compelling and innovative work in speculative fiction.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Wild Seed?

Readers who appreciate Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler are likely fans of speculative fiction with strong themes of power, identity, and survival. They might also enjoy The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood and Kindred by Butler herself for their exploration of complex social issues within gripping narratives.

4.4

38,515 ratings

82%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Anyanwu

Anyanwu is a powerful, long-lived healer from the Igbo people, capable of immense feats such as crushing rocks with her hands and transforming her body. She is deeply motivated by her ties to family and community.

Doro serves as the antagonist and possesses the ability to take over bodies, making him effectively immortal. He is a master manipulator with knowledge accumulated over millennia.

Isaac, a physically powerful telekinetic, is a favored character treated well by both Doro and Anyanwu. He uses his abilities freely and is often seen pursuing pleasure.

Thomas, portrayed as a white supremacist despite his Native American ancestry, is characterized by his spiritual and physical ailments. Anyanwu takes on the responsibility to heal him both physically and emotionally.

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Africa • 17th century

Theme
Topic
Publication Year

1980

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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