Fledgling

Fledgling, Octavia Butler’s first new novel in seven years, is the story of an apparently young, amnesiac girl whose alarmingly un-human needs and abilities lead her to a startling conclusion: she is in fact a genetically modified, 53-year-old vampire. Forced to discover what she can about her stolen former life, she must at the same time learn who wanted–and still wants–to destroy her and those she cares for, and how she can save herself. Fledgling is a captivating novel that tests the limits of “otherness” and questions what it means to be truly human.

“Students were startled by Butler’s ability to portray the ultimate other with such empathy and by her skill in using genre conventions to pose profound social and political questions. In addition, these idealistic young people were inspired by Butler’s life story of dedication and determination. Later, I heard them talking about trying to get a ‘Butler effect’ in their own writing. I am so happy that I placed that book order.” — Trudy Lewis, University of Missouri, Columbia