Dawn by Octavia E. Butler

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Dawn by Octavia E. Butler


                I love Octavia E. Butler. I can’t say that enough. I think she is a masterful storyteller. This book is no exception. It took me way too long to fall under the Butler spell and now that I have there is no turning back. Dawn is the first book in the Xenogenisis trilogy. In this novel you are introduced to Lillith, a survivor of a nuclear war on Earth. The Oankali rescued her and the rest of the survivors and placed them on their ship orbiting around Earth. Eventually they will return to Earth. Lillith has been chosen by the Oankali to act in the role of leader or mother, but first she must learn their ways, learn to survive and learn to teach others. All of this is for the trade. The Oankali will return the humans to Earth but they expect something from the humans in return.
                Disoriented. That’s how Lillith felt trying to understand the world she was now a part of and that’s how I felt in the beginning of the book. Simply off kilter. It’s easy to try and put the dots together and to make assumptions but until Butler made it clear what the circumstances were there was absolutely no way to get your bearings. From the very beginning you are lost in this world just like the main character. I was hooked. Readers learn so much about Lillith, while she learns about the new world around her. Butler did an amazing job creating Lillith and creating these highly unusual aliens. This story feels extremely original and unpredictable.
                I highly recommend this science fiction novel. I love that Butler always explores humanity and it’s many facets, regardless of the fact that the novel takes place away from Earth and humanity. Butler was just a magnificent writer that exemplifies the best in science fiction. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. 

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