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A review by calarco
Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler
5.0
Octavia Butler is one of the greatest storytellers to ever grace this planet. Period. That bold statement out of the way, Wild Seed is an amazing read that seamlessly blends numerous genres. If you enjoy thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy, historical fiction, classic folklore, or just well-written literature, then this book will have something worthwhile for you to enjoy.
Beginning in 1690 colonial era Africa, we are introduced to Anyanwu. She is a healer and shapeshifter who does not age. Her lifespan has stretched over generations and she has birthed a number of tribes, caring deeply for each of her families. She meets Doro, an immortal ancient spirit that jumps between bodies of the living (the hosts do not survive). Born thousands of years previously during the Pharaohs’ reign of Egypt, Doro has existed long enough to breed entire lineages in the hopes that he may one day create a being like himself.
Eugenics is a recurring theme, and source of tension throughout the novel. The benevolent Anyanwu wants to be a part of a family, she wants to heal the sick, and she cares deeply for people regardless of any utilitarian need they could possibly fulfill. Doro, also not wanting to be alone, has implemented some super questionable practices of human breeding to achieve his singular goal of creating an immortal life. Numb to death after having experienced thousands of years of it, Doro kills with ease and habit. Their differences are largely derived from their unique biological abilities, which results in contrary outlooks on humanity.
“Doro looked at people, healthy or ill, and wondered what kind of young they could produce. Anyanwu looked at the sick—especially those with problems she had not seen before—and wondered whether she could defeat their disease.”
Genetics is the mechanism for facilitating so much of the plot and drama, but the storytelling is still deeply rooted in folklore and religious tradition. Invoking the epic that is Genesis, the story is told in three parts: “Covenant,” “Lot’s Children,” and “Canaan.” Like biblical characters, Anyanwu and Doro quickly (in the grand span of things) find themselves at odds with each other. They each want a balance of independence and companionship, but their methods to achieve these goals are morally antithetic. Cue a generational struggle of survival.
Overall, one-part clash of titans, one-part chase of cat and mouse, this novel is an exciting read. For quite some time I have put off reading Patternmaster as this is the last ‘new’ series of Butler’s I had yet to read. So far I can say Wild Seed ranks up there with her Parable novels. I’ll be very sad when I run out of first reads of her books, but in the meantime I can only be thankful, and highly recommend this novel.
Beginning in 1690 colonial era Africa, we are introduced to Anyanwu. She is a healer and shapeshifter who does not age. Her lifespan has stretched over generations and she has birthed a number of tribes, caring deeply for each of her families. She meets Doro, an immortal ancient spirit that jumps between bodies of the living (the hosts do not survive). Born thousands of years previously during the Pharaohs’ reign of Egypt, Doro has existed long enough to breed entire lineages in the hopes that he may one day create a being like himself.
Eugenics is a recurring theme, and source of tension throughout the novel. The benevolent Anyanwu wants to be a part of a family, she wants to heal the sick, and she cares deeply for people regardless of any utilitarian need they could possibly fulfill. Doro, also not wanting to be alone, has implemented some super questionable practices of human breeding to achieve his singular goal of creating an immortal life. Numb to death after having experienced thousands of years of it, Doro kills with ease and habit. Their differences are largely derived from their unique biological abilities, which results in contrary outlooks on humanity.
“Doro looked at people, healthy or ill, and wondered what kind of young they could produce. Anyanwu looked at the sick—especially those with problems she had not seen before—and wondered whether she could defeat their disease.”
Genetics is the mechanism for facilitating so much of the plot and drama, but the storytelling is still deeply rooted in folklore and religious tradition. Invoking the epic that is Genesis, the story is told in three parts: “Covenant,” “Lot’s Children,” and “Canaan.” Like biblical characters, Anyanwu and Doro quickly (in the grand span of things) find themselves at odds with each other. They each want a balance of independence and companionship, but their methods to achieve these goals are morally antithetic. Cue a generational struggle of survival.
Overall, one-part clash of titans, one-part chase of cat and mouse, this novel is an exciting read. For quite some time I have put off reading Patternmaster as this is the last ‘new’ series of Butler’s I had yet to read. So far I can say Wild Seed ranks up there with her Parable novels. I’ll be very sad when I run out of first reads of her books, but in the meantime I can only be thankful, and highly recommend this novel.