![]() In his book _How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy_, the famous writer Orson Scott Card says about _Wild Seed_ that "nobody handles exposition better than 's a terrific novel that you ought to read for the sheer pleasure of it." I'm with him-this book is one of my very favorites. Butler's writing is a gift, a magnificent talent that cuts to the heart of the matter. Although I haven't read any other Butler books, I did buy "Earthseed" to read next. Only a mind totally open could dream up characters such as these. She's the type of writer than can turn a phrase so beautifully, that you'll read it over several times, letting her insight and creativity sink in. Butler's writing is strong, supple and gorgeous. Seen as metaphors for human spiritual development, Anyanwu and Doro are the fantasies many of us carry in ourselves, the fantasy of ultimate power, a power of Creation that borders on the divine. Although Anyanwu is female and Doro male, their power, sensitivity, passion, and determination transcend they are portraits of the most powerful, the most full, that a human spirit can be. Anyanwu just is she is "wildseed," and occasionally out of Doro's control. Doro "farms" these poweful beings with rare gifts he engineers them. The core story of Wildseed is the developing and deepening relationship between these two beings, and their relationships to lesser evolved, but still powerful, beings like them. In this story, Doro and Anyanwu, two powerful beings, cross paths. At the rate humanity is evolving, there may come a time in the future when psychic gifts, immortality, supernatural healing abilities and astral travel are innate characteristics, as opposed to legend or the rare, often disputed examples that exist today. Her "speculative fiction" contains ideas which are only a few degrees removed from our current reality. This is the first Octavia Butler book I read, recommended by a friend who is a fan of hers. As such, it would make a compelling companion text to such "canonical" novels as Toni Morrison's "Beloved." Also recommended: any of Butler's other outstanding novels, and her collection "Bloodchild and Other Stories." In addition to being a superb example of the science fiction novel, "Wild Seed" is a stunning historical novel which expands the boundaries of African-American literature. Butler's philosophical canvas takes in such controversial issues as slavery, race, reproduction, and gender. At the heart of "Wild Seed" is the enigmatic relationship between two powerful, and seemingly immortal characters: Doro, a sort of energy being who transfers from one host body to another, killing his hosts in the process and Anyanwu, a shapeshifter who can assume forms of any species, and of either gender."Wild Seed" is both a psychologically perspective character study and a profound meditation on power and desire. This story begins in 1690, and spans Africa and America. "Wild Seed" is one of a series of superb science fiction novels by Octavia E. All this blended in an inspired story full of action. ![]() ![]() Octavia doesn't, she dig deep into each character, giving them soul and flesh, going into what they feel, their ethical (or unethical) considerations, their whole conception of life, their struggles for power and love. This trait only, is enough to arouse many questions and situations, other writers may stick only to the rich action line. I refuse to say Doro is a male, he may acquire any physical nature, so I think the character as a Self, each reader may assign he/she/it any attribution. ![]() *Wild Seed* is a complex story about Doro and Anyanwu, two extraordinary beings, their encounter and relationship expanding over three centuries. All her books showed a rich mixture of imagination, interesting characters and conflictive situations. I was immediately captivated by her amazing imagination and quality of her prose and became instantly a fan of the author. Not so long ago I've read the first book from Ms Butler. ![]()
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