I really, really wanted to like this book. It’s on so many ‘science fiction must read’ lists. But, I must confess, I found this such a didactic book. I know it was the first science fiction novel by a black author (and a woman, no less) ever published (in 1979). I know this because the book is less a speculative time travel novel, and more an exploration of the shocking way in which Africans were treated in America before the Civil War. I felt that I was constantly being lectured about the evils of slavery. Maybe I’m the wrong demographic for this book: Australian, white, middle class, middle-aged woman. I am sure this book would resonate more with an American audience.

It’s 1976: we are introduced to Dana, an Afro-American woman, and her husband Kevin, who is white, as they are moving into their new apartment. Without warning, Dana finds herself transported through time to Maryland in the early nineteenth century. She finds herself saving a little boy from drowning. This little boy, Rufus, turns out to be her ancestor. Once his life is saved, she’s whisked back in time to her husband. And so it goes: each time Rufus finds himself in a near death situation, Dana is transported back to save him.

I had difficulty believing that people of the early 1800s would have so readily embraced a women appearing out of nowhere, and then disappearing like a puff of smoke. I think they would have killed her - which would have made for a very short story! I also found her, and her husband’s reactions and responses to their situation, unbelievable. I found the story repetitive: she comes, she saves, she goes home - over and over again.

Some reviewers claim that, although this was written in 1979, it’s as fresh as if it was written today - I disagree. I think it is a product of it’s time and place - and I feel this can be felt throughout the book. If this had been handled with more subtly, and was less strident, it would have been so much more effecting.

Reading this collection of Octavia Butler’s short stories is like taking a masterclass with a genius! Each story is so well rendered and leaves you wanting to know more - however, still feeling complete.
In all Butler’s stories, she uses an alternative world to explore the human condition. By using an alien landscape, she is able to probe and reveal our collective needs, fears and desires. Some of these urges are not pretty, however Butler can see through the ugliness, to the hopefulness at the other side.

“Bloodchild”, which won the Hugo Award, is the opening story, and is easily one of the most disturbing stories I have read. It’s difficult to say any more without giving too much away - let’s just say you won’t forget it in a hurry.
“The evening and the morning and the night” explores personal responsibility and how much of who we are is made up by our DNA and genes. Can we chose to overcome these building blocks or are we destined from the outset to follow a certain path?
“Near of Kin” has so much heart - again, I cannot say too much without giving it away. This story is not speculative fiction.
“Speech Sounds” won the Nebula Award. Set in a world that has been blighted by a virus that kills the majority of the population, then randomly steals away the survivors’ ability to communicate: for many, it’s the ability to speak; for others, the ability to read. This world has become a living hell. But still Butler shows that there is hope.
There are more stories and short articles exploring Butler’s writing process, and how she struggled to have her work published which are fascinating and should be read by any budding author.
This collection would be a fabulous resource for HSC students who are writing a short story for Advanced English.