I am thrilled and thankful I picked up this series. This is one of the best books I've read in the last few years, or maybe my whole life. It's a journey of two immortals, Anyanwu, a shape-shifter and a healer, and Doro, a spirit who takes bodies after bodies to stay alive. The story takes place from late 1600 to 1800 where they travel from Africa to colonial America. Two completely different people, with completely different objectives and beliefs, surviving next to each other because of only one thing in common. A never-ending, lonely life.
Octavia Butler is ingenious. She understands the human psyche so well that her characters and conversations will scare you with how real they seem, especially the character of Doro.
I have read tons of books on feministic themes, but no one has ever portrayed the real sense of its meaning like Octavia Butler. And she does that without turning her premise preachy. She does the same with slavery-Hit you in the gut without telling you it's wrong. In fact, it's heart-breaking to read these characters from the 17th and 18th century who talk about slavery like it's a part and parcel of their lives.
I have turned into a lifelong fan of Ms. Butler and I am going to read every single book of hers. Can' wait to read the next books in the series.