Parable of the Talents

by Octavia E. Butler

Paperback, 365 pages

English language

Published July 1, 2001 by Women's Press Ltd,The.

ISBN:: 978-0-7043-4682-6

(78 reviews)

Environmental devastation and economic chaos have turned America into a land of depravity. Taking advantage of the situation, a zealous bigot wins his way into the White House. Lauren Olamina leads a new faith group directly opposed to the new government. This is the story of the group's struggle to preserve its vision.

As the government turns a blind eye to the violent bigots who consider a black female leader a threat, Lauren Olamina must either sacrifice her child and her followers or forsake her religion. The plot contains profanity, sexual situations and violence,

12 editions

Jamie reviewed Parable of the talents by Octavia E. Butler

Review of 'Parable of the talents' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Nothing on the cover led me to understand this was a sequel to another book, so I was a good chunk into the book before I entered it on this site. It doesn't seem to be lacking a predecessor - stands on its own alright. And it's a fine book as it is.

I'm guessing it works for me better now that I see parallels of authoritarianism and bigotry shaking up our country. So if you're wondering if Donald Trump has accomplished anything yet, he's made an old Octavia Butler book way more relevant that it ought to be.

Steen Christiansen reviewed Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler

Review of 'Parable of the talents' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

While it starts of slower, it ends up equally as brutal as the first. Devastating.

Geekess reviewed Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler

Review of 'Parable of the Talents' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

Just when I thought Butler's works were all very repetative in story, I found this little gem of a series. Frankly, reading this during the US 2016 Election with a certain crazy xenophobic idiot as a candidate (and wínning) makes the reading of this book extra terrifying. To be honest, I'm having nightmares about this series, days after reading them.
The Parable of the Sower was quite good, but The Parable of the Talents is better.
I like that the viewpoints span different timeperiods and aren't parallel, as you would expect. I also like that there is no Happily Ever After, not in the way you would expect.
I love how the ending is done, almost anti-climactic, with grace and peace and elegance.
I like this book, even though it is no literary masterpiece, technically speaking. It is pure storytelling. And that makes it terrifyingly good in these uncertain times.