BOOK BRIEF

Clay's Ark

Octavia E. Butler
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Clay's Ark

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1996

Book Brief

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Octavia E. Butler

Clay's Ark

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1996
Book Details
Pages

213

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

California Desert • Future

Publication Year

1996

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Clay's Ark follows individuals encountering an alien microorganism that dramatically alters their bodies and instincts. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the story explores themes of survival, identity, and ethical dilemmas as the infected strive to coexist with unaffected humans while grappling with the microorganism's transformative effects. It is part of the Patternist series by Octavia E. Butler.

Dark

Mysterious

Unnerving

Suspenseful

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

4.1

12,186 ratings

66%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Clay's Ark by Octavia E. Butler is praised for its intense narrative and exploration of societal collapse and human nature. Themes of infection and survival are compelling, though some readers find the plot unsettling or the pacing uneven. Butler's character development is strong, drawing readers into a vividly imagined world. Overall, it's a provocative read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Clay's Ark?

Readers who enjoy Clay's Ark by Octavia E. Butler likely appreciate thought-provoking, character-driven science fiction that explores themes of survival and transformation. Fans of Michael Crichton's The Andromeda Strain or Margaret Atwood's Oryx and Crake may find similar appeal in Butler's exploration of human resilience in the face of alien threats.

4.1

12,186 ratings

66%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Clay's Ark is part of Octavia E. Butler's acclaimed Patternist series, a collection of five novels that together explore themes of control, evolution, and community.

Octavia E. Butler often delved into the ethical complexities of genetic manipulation in her works, and Clay's Ark is no exception, examining the consequences of an alien organism on human life.

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Despite being written in 1984, Clay's Ark touches upon timeless issues of disease transmission and quarantine, resonating with contemporary audiences today.

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Book Details
Pages

213

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

California Desert • Future

Publication Year

1996

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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