Parable of the Talents

By: Octavia E. Butler

Narrated by: Patricia R. Floyd, Peter Jay Fernandez, Sisi Aisha Johnson

Length: 15 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

Environmental devastation and economic chaos have turned America into a land of horrifying depravity. Assault, theft, sexual abuse, slavery, and murder are commonplace. Taking advantage of the situation, a zealous, bigoted tyrant wins his way into the White House.

Directly opposed is Lauren Olamina, founder of Earthseed - a new faith that teaches "God Is Change". Persecuted for "heathen" beliefs as much as for having a Black female leader, Earthseed's followers face a life-and-death struggle to preserve their vision.

Best-selling author Octavia Butler's fluid writing and keen observations about race, gender, politics, and religion make for a moving parable that will be pondered for generations. A powerful reading from three standout narrators captures the multi-generational sweep of this poignant tale.

Butler's acclaimed novels have won numerous awards, and she is a recipient of a "genius" grant from the MacArthur Foundation. Parable of the Talents was selected as one of the best books of the year by Publishers Weekly.

©2007 Octavia Butler (P)2007 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

• Nebula Award, Best Novel, 1999

"Octavia E. Butler is one of the finest voices in fiction....period." (Washington Post Book World)
"These...are the keynotes of Talents: family and characters, warmth and endurance, hope and determination. It's a worthy book, well up to Butler's standard for thoughtfulness and insight." (Analog Science Fiction & Fact)
"Though not for the faint-hearted, this work stands out as a testament to the author's enormous talent, and to the human spirit." (Publishers Weekly)

Harrowing and amazing

I've never reacted so strongly to a book. This was an extremely difficult experience, at times, but so very enthralling, and ultimately fulfilling. I wish Ms. Butler had been able to finish her planned sequels, but can see why she wasn't able, as this story is truly the epitome of "per aspera ad astra" with an emphasis on the hardship part.

Perfect

Perfect continuation of wonderfully written and narrated story. It is meant for everyone who values good sci-fi that aged like vine.

Sad that this leaves us with a lot of questions

This obviously isn’t the end of the series but is the end of the main character. She is not painted in a sympathetic tone in this book but I enjoyed the three character (maybe 4?) narration. Octavia Butler has always delivered solid content. Her stories challenge you to look at the world around you a little closer…the fact that she used the MAGA slogan and ideology was very telling. Great read.

worth reading

Not a really fast paced book, but the story does move along. In the middle of the book I was annoyed with the amount of time the author spent on theology, "Earthseed". But as the story progresses it does make more sense.

Rich, absorbing and prophetic work-a masterpiece!

I was excited to read this sequel story to The Parable of the Sower, and what an absorbing and intense journey it took me on! I was not disappointed, instead left with so much emotion in my heart.
The richness of this book comes from Ms. Butler’s ability to transport the reader to the world of her characters in a profoundly personal way. Each personality carefully developed and revealed as one goes deeper into the story, becomes a part of the readers world, leaving us with a sense of empathetic yearning for the character’s plights and an appreciation for the complexities of human relationships and an utter respect for the courage they hold to carry them through.
Her story weaves a tale of such deep longing and yearning of Lauren as an adult woman, a mother, a wife, a community leader and organizer, I found it powerful to read at a time when I myself am about to be a mother for the first time in my life. I found myself reflecting on Lauren’s journey and thinking of how I would be if I was in her shoes.
I enjoyed every minute of this story. I particularly loved listening to Patricia Floyd read Lauren’s passages.

Great story and narration, poor editing

Unfortunately, the way this was edited, there is no pause at the end of recorded sections, which usually corresponds to chapters. So as soon as the narrator finishes speaking, the next section starts in a near overlap. Since many of the chapters end with thought-provoking or intense scenes, this is jarring, and doesn't allow time to absorb it fully. The narration itself is very well done, though, and the story is worth putting up with the odd audio cut-offs.

Wow!!!

I have enjoyed reading all of Octavia Butler's books. Reading this book convinces me she is a visionary. I don't want to be s

Error in Chapters

Good story. No audio effects. Chapters aren't synched correctly, which was frustrating. Story deserves more.

I really enjoyed this book!

I enjoyed Parable of the Sower, then Parable of the Talents. It's message was one I could really relate to. I love all of her works and these were no exception!! Also, the narration was excellent!

Profetic and hopeful

This book skirts our own present so much it is scary. The best thing about it is that it almost works as a manual of survival in the Times of change we are and will be having. It remains us that we need not be angels in order to uphold our beliefs, but we should always have standards.