Surprisingly absorbing

At first it seemed not for me, but after the fist 15 min I was absolutely hooked.

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At once terrifying and inspiring

An incredible performance of an important piece of literature. Like bell hooks writing fiction. Was Octavia Butler into Alfred North Whitehead? God is change.

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Extraordinary story and well read

This is one of the most extraordinary stories. I’ve listened to in a very long time. It’s heartfelt, well considered, and deeply moving. It feels so possibly real and a potential future that we could face very soon. The characters are genuine and the wish for survival for the lead character drives the reader on wood. Can highly recommend this book. Although it can be tough to listen to their is an extraordinary amount of hope.

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The Unexpected

I loved the twists and turns. The love for humanity even in desperate times. I wanted more, I wanted to listen again, a sequel, continuation...

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Exceptional. Can’t believe I’ve not listened to it before!

What an excellent writer. This is the first book of hers I’ve ever read but it won’t be the last. She’s so bold yet so subtle in her storytelling. The plot rips along like a blockbuster movie but it never feels contrived or unrealistic. The characters are beautifully drawn and the themes are nuanced, yet it’s pretty shocking and terribly exciting. Don’t listen before bed! One of the best audiobooks I’ve listened to in a while. The only downside is the terrible cover, which nearly put me off buying it!

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Well told story with its feet grounded in past

Well told story with its feet grounded in past, but looking to a future that is not too far from happening.

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A parable without a moral?

Butler is, obviously, a writer of true worth and distinction and this novel displays her talents very well. It's a dystopic novel with hope and optimism running through it. a good thing one might say, but the narrator is a committed Christian and this seems to be the unspoken explanation for her group's eventual, possible, salvation. As a non- Christian I felt that this was an admonishment. My oft-repeated question to believers is 'Where was God in Auschwitz?' Equally, why did God allow this dystopia to exist? This parable lacks a convincing moral outcome, unless Lauren's belief in 'Earthseed' is that moral imperative

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This was written in 1993!!!

A very interesting and well constructed read. It touched on topics which are becoming more and more relevant to today's society. Octavia was way ahead of the curve on these insights. the book occasionally lost me with the slightly preachy tone it took when the main character went off on one about earthseed, but that could be the point. Definitely worth a read!

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Slow buildup but worth the wait

Slow buildup but worth the wait. It talks of a dystopian future, yet it’s quite different from other books of its kind like 1984 or brave new world. This book has much character building as well.

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Inhaled this book! FANTASTIC

Really enjoyed this book.

I love a good dystopian story but they often become unwieldy, with massive story arcs, too many characters & too much going on that’s really hard to follow - especially in audiobook format.

This one focuses closely on just a few characters & builds a picture of the horrors of their world through minute details - I found this made everything seem much more realistic & powerful.

So no, not much happens - but it doesn’t need to! It’s a beautifully crafted story that doesn’t need explosions, cliff hangers & plot twists every few chapters.

Gripping read and the narration is mesmeric! One of the best narrated books I’ve listened to!!!

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