A review by pineconek
Bloodchild and Other Stories by Octavia E. Butler

challenging dark inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

An alien species that uses us for reproduction. Another that uses us a drug. A genetic disease that makes us destroy ourselves. A world where humans have lost the ability to produce and/or understand spoken and/or written languages. A woman recruited by God to bring about a utopia with a singular tweak. Essays about writing fervently, writing sci Fi as a black woman, about publishing and telling yourself stories.

If any or all of this sounds good to you (and honestly, it should), run don't walk. This is a stellar collection and is truly Octavia Butler at her best. She's the author who's truly convinced me that alien species and vampires are both excellent topics for fiction (when done right). Her writing is simple, masterful, compelling.

And the cherry on top: this collection includes an afterword by the author after each story, served as a welcome digestive. I wish all collections did this.

Recommended if you want to diversify your understanding of what makes a good (sci Fi) story, are fascinated by human nature and our irrationalities, and just in general. Five shining stars on both GR and SG.