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Cover of Parable of the Sower

Science fiction · Dystopian

Parable of the Sower

by Octavia E. Butler

4.1 out of 5, from 1,090 ratings from Hardcover readers

In a near-future California falling apart from drought and inequality, a teenage girl with an unusual sensitivity to others' pain lives behind her community's walls. When they fail, she heads north and starts to shape a new belief.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
1993
Pace
Medium
Length
Medium
Pages
400
Format
Book 1 of 2 in Earthseed
Borrow free with Libby Compare prices Save to my shelf

Read this if you want a gripping, thoughtful survival story that feels uncomfortably close to real life.

Skip this if you want to avoid graphic violence and sexual assault, which appear on the road north.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Violence
  • Death
  • Sexual assault
  • Addiction

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Rape
  • Child death
  • Fire/Fire injury
  • Gun violence
  • Cannibalism
  • Animal death
  • Child abuse
  • Murder

Quick answers about Parable of the Sower

What is Parable of the Sower about?
In a near-future California falling apart from drought and inequality, a teenage girl with an unusual sensitivity to others' pain lives behind her community's walls. When they fail, she heads north and starts to shape a new belief.
Who should read Parable of the Sower?
Read it if you want a gripping, thoughtful survival story that feels uncomfortably close to real life. Skip it if you want to avoid graphic violence and sexual assault, which appear on the road north.
How long and how fast is Parable of the Sower?
It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 400 pages, first published in 1993.
Does Parable of the Sower have content warnings?
Content we flag: Violence, Death, Sexual assault, Addiction.
Can I borrow Parable of the Sower for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Parable of the Sower; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after Parable of the Sower?
Readers who liked it often move on to The Road, The Ministry for the Future.

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