Parable of the Sower (PDF/ePUB) By Octavia E. Butler read online for free.
Parable of the Sower Information
| Book Name: | Parable of the Sower |
| Author: | Octavia E. Butler |
| Series | Earthseed #1 |
| Language: | English |
| File Type: | PDF/ePub |
| PDF Size | 3.38 MB |
| ePub Size | 1 MB |
| Pages | 344 |
In the year 2025, in a global state of societal disarray and lawlessness, a singular female protagonist embarks upon a consequential expedition aimed at forging a more promising trajectory for humanity.
The Olamina family, including Lauren Olamina, resides in a residential area situated on the outside of Los Angeles, which is recognised as one of the few remaining secure neighbourhoods. Within the confines of their fortified enclave, Lauren’s father, a clergyman, together with a small group of others, endeavour to salvage the remnants of a society that has been ravaged by the perils of substance abuse, illness, conflict, and persistent scarcity of water resources. While Lauren’s father endeavours to guide individuals towards a morally upright trajectory, she grapples with hyperempathy, a medical condition that renders her exceptionally receptive to the suffering experienced by others.
Following the destruction of their property by fire, Lauren’s family tragically perishes, compelling her to navigate a perilous world. Accompanied by a small group of fellow displaced individuals, Lauren is compelled to navigate a trajectory towards the northern region in order to secure a place of refuge. Throughout this arduous journey, she formulates a groundbreaking concept that has the potential to serve as a source of deliverance for the whole human population.
About The Author Octavia E. Butler
Octavia Estelle Butler was a prominent American science fiction author, recognised for her contributions to the genre, particularly as one of the few African-American women writers in this subject. She received both the Hugo and Nebula awards. In 1995, she attained the notable distinction of becoming the first science fiction author to receive the prestigious “Genius” Grant from the MacArthur Foundation.
Following the death of her father, Butler was brought up by her mother who was widowed. During her childhood, Octavia exhibited a notable inclination towards introversion, which she sought to address by engaging in activities like as reading fantasy literature and writing, primarily at the library. During her adolescence, she commenced her literary endeavours in the realm of science fiction. at the era of the Black Power struggle, the individual in question pursued her education at a community college. It was at this time that she became involved in a writer’s workshop within her local community, where she received encouragement to partake in the renowned Clarion Workshop. Notably, the Clarion Workshop is known for its emphasis on the genre of science fiction.
In a short period of time, she successfully sold her initial pieces and by the late 1970s, she achieved a notable level of success as an author, enabling her to dedicate herself entirely to writing. The literary works authored by her garnered positive reception from both the general readership and esteemed adjudicators, resulting in numerous accolades. Additionally, she facilitated writer’s workshops and afterwards relocated to the state of Washington. Regrettably, Butler’s demise occurred as a result of a stroke when he was 58 years old. The research collection of the Huntington Library houses her papers.
Parable of the Sower Book Summary
The literary work entitled “Parable of the Sower” may present certain challenges to readers due to its complex nature. The clarity and simplicity of the text are evident, while the substance may be challenging to digest. This dystopia presented is characterised by its proximity to one’s personal life, rendering it difficult to disregard as implausible. The universe portrayed in the text is characterised by its harsh and unattractive nature. Even individuals with good intentions are sometimes compelled to engage in morally objectionable actions in order to ensure their own survival.
This work can be classified as science fiction, albeit primarily in a technical capacity. Certainly, the narrative takes place within a speculative future, when the central protagonist, named Lauren, possesses an extraordinary capacity to empathetically experience the physical anguish of everyone around her. However, the plot does not depend on speculative technologies, extraterrestrial civilizations, or extraordinary feats of heroism. The underlying structure of this hypothetical realm corresponds to our present reality, projected into a future characterised by desolation.
Lauren is determined to establish her own religious belief system. The author’s concepts are exemplified through the inclusion of selected passages from her poetic works at the commencement of every chapter. Throughout the narrative, Lauren effectively communicates her ideas to a multitude of individuals, first met with scepticism. I found myself quite dissatisfied with a certain element of the book, namely the thoughts presented and the quality of Lauren’s writing, which, in my perception, did not possess the level of profundity and significance that Lauren had intended.
However, what was the underlying goal of Octavia Butler? Was it the author’s intention for these thoughts and Lauren’s words to possess a substantial amount of meaning, resonance, and depth? Was the intention for it to possess a certain degree of naivety and simplicity, yet with inherent promise, as per my personal perception? The solution cannot be located within the contents of this book.