Parable of the Talents

Name: Parable of the Talents
ISBN: 9781538765500

by Octavia E. Butler · first published 1998

8mentions

4recommended by

6HN commenters

2017–2025first – last mentioned

67% recommend33% neutral

Science Fiction Fiction & Literature

Environmental devastation and economic chaos have turned America into a land of depravity. Taking advantage of the situation, a zealous bigot wins his way into the White House. Lauren Olamina leads a new faith group directly opposed to the new government. This is the story of the group's struggle to preserve its vision. As the government turns a blind eye to the violent bigots who consider a black female leader a threat, Lauren Olamina must either sacrifice her child and her followers or forsake her religion. The plot contains profanity, sexual situations and violence,

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hanche · Aug 21, 2019 · Recommends

I was going to recommend Octavia E. Butler, but I see she is already on the list. The whole Xenogenesis trilogy is good, not just Dawn (first in the series). Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents likewise. And Connie Willis' To say nothing of the dog is hilarious! It will brighten anyone's day. I'll just have to starting working through that list, now.
on “One of the greatest science fiction magazines is now available online (2017)” ↗
hannahhoward · Mar 27, 2017 · Recommends

Octavia Butler - The Parable Series (Parable of The Sower & Parable Of The Talents)
on “Ask HN: Which non-technology book has influenced you the most and why?” ↗
em-bee · Aug 25, 2023 · Recommends

if you like to read fiction related to this topic, i can recommend the Parable or Earthseed series by Octavia E. Butler, in particular the second book 'Parable of the Talents' it describes a world where the national governments have lost control and people are fighting for resources. it's a rather dystopian view, but it points out that in addition to living off the grid,…
on “You're Not Going to Make It” ↗
Jtsummers · Apr 7, 2025 · Recommends

> Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler (near future post-apocalyptic sci-fi). If you haven't read it, Parable of the Talents, the sequel, is also worth a read.
on “Ask HN: What books have been worth your time?” ↗
scardine · May 24, 2019 · Mentions

I'm halfway "parable of the talents" by Octavia E. Butler (I'm trying to read all the novels that won a Nebula Award). I can see it happening if US keep the current trajectory.
on “Assange Indicted Under Espionage Act, Raising First Amendment Issues” ↗
em-bee · Jul 31, 2022 · Mentions

Octavia Butler paints a gruesome picture of societal collapse in her Earthseed series: Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents that mirrors some of the points made in this article.
on “What happens when society collapses (2021)” ↗
em-bee · May 22, 2023 · Mentions

…Ancillary Justice Chen Qiufan and Kai-Fu Lee: AI 2041 David Wellington: The Last Astronaut Nathan Lowell: Quarter Share Becky Chambers: A Psalm for the Wild-Built Octavia E Butler: Parable of the Talents John Scalzi: Kaiju Preservation Society David Brin: Kiln People Emma Straub: This Time Tomorrow Ursula K Le Guin: Left Hand of Darkness Dennis E Taylor: We are Legion Emily St…
on “Ask HN: What are your favorite sci-fi books?” ↗
csours · Jul 22, 2025 · Mentions

…etc. 2. Trump uses psychological manipulation without shame. If your reply is that all politicians do this, see my one message above. ~~~ I've just re-read Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents. There's a lot there, and it's honestly a bit painful right now; one thing I keep thinking about is "God is Change". There's a lot of ways to interpret that, but the one that I keep thinking about is:…
on “The United States withdraws from UNESCO” ↗