I finished this one a little over two weeks ago. This was the first book I've read by Octavia Butler, and I don't think it will be my last.

Sci-fi and fantasy aren't my usual genre preference (though, now I'm not sure I even have a preference), so I wasn't sure initially how I'd like this book.

The pacing and language of the book was skilled and enjoyable; I really felt like I was sitting down and listening to a story over a fire. The book explores themes of power, control, and freedom, and challenges traditional ideas of morality. Following the relationship of two immortal Africans over a hundred years, the book also speaks to larger social and cultural issues.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn the book was published in 1980. Some books do not age well–usually due to standardized sexism, racism, or homophobia of that writer's era–but I didn't detect any of that here.

All in all, I found it thought-provoking and captivating, and the rest of the Patternist series has now been added to my very long "Want to Read" list.