Bloodchild and Other Stories

Bloodchild and Other Stories, Octavia E. Butler, Seven Stories Press, 1996

This group of stories are not the usual "aliens and spaceships" science fiction stories.

On a far distant planet, a colony of humans have become egg carriers for the dominant local species, who look a lot like giant, talking worms. The worms and humans get along quite well; the problem is that, when born, this species eats its way out of its host. Another story is about a human genetic disease that is characterized by extreme self-mutilation, a slow, but, inexorable loss of mental function, and the absolute belief that they are trapped inside their own bodies. If the person doesn't commit suicide first, the only alternative is permanent institutionalization. Some places at least try to help the sufferer, while others are little better than human warehouses.

A disease sweeps through mankind, targeting mainly the parts of the brain involved with language. A mostly silent society emerges after people's ability to understand language, both written and verbal, is lost. The only non-science fiction story is about a young woman who feels abandoned by her recently deceased mother. Included are two essays about writing, one about growing up wanting to be a writer, and the other is about the craft of writing for newcomers.

Here is a group of exceptional stories that sneak up on the reader, instead of being overpowering. Even though this book is too short, the ideas and speculation inside are quite large and meaningful. It is very much worth reading.