…you know…for no reason at all. Absolutely no reason I can think of as to why I’m demanding that all of America read this scarily accurate prediction of a “future” dystopian landscape, imagined by a brilliant black writer back in 1993. Oh, and the timeline just happens to be 2024-2027. So.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler is a haunting projection of what the US would be like if it was overtaken by a corrupt government out for selfish gain. Lauren is a girl, who’s growing up in this world and tells her story through journal entries from age 14 to 18. People are categorized by those who live on the “inside” (walled neighborhoods) and those who live on the “outside” (unhoused, starving people, victims of a country who turned their back on them, living in a lawless society).
Living on the outside is basically a death sentence due to the violent environment. On the inside, Lauren’s community has various dramas, but all in all, they are living the best they can in these unprecedented times. They support each other (for the most part) and try to work together as a community. However, when a band of the outsiders breaks through the walls, sets fire to the neighborhood, pillages, and violently takes over, Lauren escapes. Thus begins her long journey North.
The story becomes one of resilience, rebuilding, trust in others, and determination to survive. As Lauren treks from LA to northern California, she collects other humans, willing to come together and rebuild a community, based on mutual understanding and care, rather than greed. In addition to the commitment to the collective, Lauren cautiously spreads her philosophy on a new doctrine; a new belief system called Earthseed. Earthseed is based on the understanding that God is Change. Everything you changes, changes you. Change is the only constant and only when you resist that notion of change are you punished for your denial. Accept it and you will be rewarded. It’s an interesting concept to consider, given the environment. The juxtaposition of the spiritual walk and the physical walk end up creating such a beautiful representation of the struggles that we all face…in these fictional and actual trying times.
This was the perfect book to read at the beginning of this year and as we enter into one of the most tumultuous stages in US history. It’s no secret what’s going politically in this country. Regardless of what side you are on, you will be vastly affected by what happens next. As a reminder, he doesn’t care about you, unless you are a billionaire. And since there aren’t many of those, then get ready to be a target. Will the country devolve into such an extreme case as Parable depicts? Between the fires in LA, the increase in cost of living, violence, and hatred, is our current environment that different? Sure, we still have access to technology, transportation, resources, and freedom to walk around. But the same ideas are still there. And to think that Octavia Butler wrote this book in 1993! Was she an oracle or a brilliant scholar of historical pattern recognition?
Before I wrap up, I do need to warn you about the incredible amount of content warnings. There is brutal violence, rape, child death, suicide, and many others.
If you’ve read Parable of the Sower or any other books by Octavia Butler, please comment below. I’d love to start a respectful conversation. In the meantime, take care of yourselves. I’m thinking of all of you.
Book Details
Title: Parable of the Sower
Author: Octavia Butler
Website: https://www.octaviabutler.com/
Purchase Links: (available in Hardcover, Paperback, and eBook)
Swoon 
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