2015max

What a cool, creepy, and sad little tale. This isn't normally the type of book I read, but I enjoyed Fledgling and really, really enjoyed Kindred. Since then, I have been on a slow hunt to try and read more of Butler's books. On the surface, this is a book about aliens.. but, really it is about our own nature. Captivity, bondage, hierarchy within our culture, race, and assumed heterosexuality. Lilith, the main character, awakens to find that earth has basically destroyed itself, and the few remaining humans have been saved by aliens. Although she is revolted at first by the aliens, she quickly develops a strangely dependent relationship with them. Some people who reviewed this were grossed out by the "alien" sex, but really, it didn't disturb me too much. I could have done without it, but, at the same time, it highlights how easily sex is used to dominate the feelings of humans. We can be convinced of emotions that maybe don't truly exist, when sex is used as a potent medium. Scary thought right there. Another reviewed referred to Lilith's basic Stockholm Syndrome - and, yes, I believe that to be incredibly accurate. Although, why she should become so enamored escapes me. If you pay attention, you see a lot of mind control, biochemical altering, and drugging of the humans. The biggest question for me: if we really did have to start all over, back to the caveman times - what lessons from now could we apply to then? We would not have the technology to accomplish the things we do today, nor the need. What good is a computer when one is trying to harvest food for survival? Would we be destined to repeat our entire existence, or self-destroy because we are unwilling to let go of our notions? A darn good read. Can't wait to start the sequel.

2020-09-10 15:16