From her very first novel back in 1979 every one within the science fiction community knew Octavia E. Butler would be a creative force in the genre. “Kindred” was a powerful novel about a black woman who travels back in time to the racially disparent South to save the life of a white man. From that time until now the world has taken note of Butler’s insight.
Butler, age 58 died on Friday after a recent fall and of complications from her long battle with heart disease and high blood pressure. We have lost a compelling voice.
She was the first black female author to gain prominence as a scifi author and championed the way for others to enter the field that was left either closed or ignored to other black authors in the genre.
What made Butler’s work so special was not her reliance on the standard scifi fare of gizmos and gadgetry, but she would take her stories into the the depths of real issues that, not only people of color, but all mankind must struggle with on a daily basis; issues such as racism, religion, politics and poverty. She would interweave these ever so flawlessly into the fabric of her story while keeping the reader glued to the adventure and excitement that scifi brings to any topic.
Preferring to remain a sort of recluse and out of the public eye she never married, and her greatest love was just sitting down and writing superb science fiction.
Octavia E. Butler was the first ever science fiction writer to be given the “Genius” Award from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
A massive talent has left us feeling a great loss. Fortunately her writings remain for all to enjoy and be discovered by future generations.
I am stunned by this news. Her books are uncomfortable to read not because they are too graphic or gross but because I think she shows the truth in the human race. Her outlook for our future is bleak and reading it and knowing it is possible is terrifying. She was an amazing author and I am saddened to know I will not be seeing anymore new books from her.
I am still hoping that one day someone will make a miniseries of one of my favourite books: Kindred. (Oprah, are you listening? Sci-Fi channel, you hear me?)
Next to Nichelle Nichols, Octavia Butler was a great inspiration to me.
I, too, am saddened to hear of her passing.
I get some solace from knowing how much Octavia Butler touched other people. She is/was my favorite writer, and a genius of rare talent. The world is a sadder place.