Octavia E. Butler's story takes place on a planet where humans live under the protection of the Tlic, a species of large insectlike beings. Gan, a boy, is chosen to carry the eggs of T'Gatoi, a Tlic official, with whom his family has a close relationship, and the process involves a risk that he sees for the first time when he witnesses a birth. The story looks at dependence, reproduction and consent, and has been read as a story about slavery and also about love and survival. It won the Hugo, Nebula and Locus awards. The collection includes other stories and essays, among them an afterword by Butler.
It is for readers who like thoughtful science fiction, and for those new to Butler. It is a short and unsettling work.
Balanced in tone; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Story Seeker. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1984
- Language
- EN
