Blood Child - Octavia E. Butler

Welcome back to another episode of the Extra Literary Affairs podcast.

This week, we’re delving into Octavia E. Butler’s haunting and thought-provoking story, Blood Child. Join us as we unpack the intricate dynamics at play in this gripping tale, focusing on one central question: Can a romantic relationship truly exist when the power balance is so profoundly unequal?

We’ll also examine the nuanced theme of consent within the story, asking whether it’s possible for genuine consent to be given in a world where autonomy is constantly under threat. Is consent even meaningful when the stakes are life-or-death, and the scales of power are so heavily tilted?