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Parable of the Sower

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Parable of the Sower

By: Octavia E. Butler
Narrated by: Lynne Thigpen
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About this listen

Hugo and Nebula Award-winning author Octavia E. Butler paints a stunning portrait of an all-too-believable near future. As with Kindred and her other critically-acclaimed novels, Parable of the Sower skillfully combines startling visionary and socially realistic concepts.

God is change. That is the central truth of the Earthseed movement, whose unlikely prophet is 18-year-old Lauren Olamina. The young woman's diary entries tell the story of her life amid a violent 21st-century hell of walled neighborhoods and drug-crazed pyromaniacs - and reveal her evolving Earthseed philosophy. Against a backdrop of horror emerges a message of hope: if we are willing to embrace divine change, we will survive to fulfill our destiny among the stars.

For her elegant, literate works of science fiction, Octavia E. Butler has been compared to Toni Morrison and Ursula K. LeGuin. Narrator Lynne Thigpen's melodious voice will hold you spellbound throughout this compelling parable of modern society.

©1993 Octavia E. Butler (P)2000 Recorded Books, LLC
Fantasy Fiction Science Fiction Emotionally Gripping Heartfelt
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What listeners say about Parable of the Sower

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Surprisingly absorbing

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

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2 people found this helpful

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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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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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Incredibly narrated

Sumptuous, incisive prose. I devoured this! The world and the characters Butler created will stay with me a long time.

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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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Another meaningful novel by OEB

I have read several books by Butler and have been moved by them all. This is no exception. There are bits that are really hard to listen to, but it is ultimately hopeful. There is a fair bit about the religion the MC has “received”. It is always in context also serves to bring the group of stragglers encountered together. The initial set up is slow and seems more like slice-of-life than a plot, but then it morphs into a road trip, which gives the story more direction.

I will read the sequel soon.

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Excellent excellent excellent

Fell in love with this book. I can't wait to read the next one.

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incredible!

It's up there with Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy for me as a book that I'll go back to many times and learn something with each read or listen.

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