Hardcover, 245 pages
Published Aug. 8, 2005 by SFBC.
Doro is an immortal, body-stealing spirit who seeks and breeds outcasts with special abilities. He meets Anyanwu, an immortal, shape-shifting, healer woman who has the abilities he breeds for. She submits to him but refuses to be controlled by him.
This book tells the story of the relationship between Doro and Anyanwu, two beings with special powers - very different powers - and how they choose to use them. Wild Seed is a classic, one that is much needed in these times of crisis. Significant and radical.
A hard read, not because of the writing style, but the theme and the underlying metaphors: slavery, discrimination, power abuse. It's weird and disturbing, there weren't any lovable characters for me. I wasn't sure if it was sci-fi, magical realism or something in between. I was hoping the main character, Anyanwu, to have more active powers. She was powerful but at the same time powerless to deal with Doro's influence. It was a disturbing read at many moments for me, not really my cup of tea. The writing is excellent, tho.
Butler's way of introducing a superhuman premise up front in a matter-of-fact way then getting right to the implications for human characters and works well. You can feel strong undercurrents while engaging with a good story. Looking forward to continuing the series.
Bizarrely horrific struggle for coexistence and release from under fear between well-matched but incongruous powers.
Bizarrely horrific struggle for coexistence and release from under fear between well-matched but incongruous powers.
