Title: The Fifth Sacred Thing
Author: Starhawk
First published January 1, 1993
486 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780553373806 (ISBN10: 0553373803)
Rating: 4.2
Overview
A captivating story of hope and resistance, compassion and conflict, and the diverse possibilities for the future of humanity. The Fifth Sacred Thing chronicles the journey of a California family in the midst of a world divided by opposing values: one that upholds diversity and acceptance, and another that enforces oppression and conformity.
As they navigate this volatile landscape, they discover the power of community and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. A must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and insight into the complexities of our modern world.
About the Author
Meet Starhawk, a multi-talented individual who is an author, activist, permaculture designer, and teacher. She is a well-known figure in the modern Goddess religion and earth-based spirituality community, having authored or co-authored thirteen books, including the highly-regarded classics The Spiral Dance and The Fifth Sacred Thing.
Her latest release, City of Refuge, is a fiction novel and long-awaited sequel to The Fifth Sacred Thing.
Starhawk is the founder of Earth Activist Training, a program that teaches permaculture design with an emphasis on organizing and activism, grounded in spirituality. She is particularly interested in “social permaculture,” which focuses on designing human systems that are regenerative.
Currently, Starhawk resides on Golden Rabbit Ranch in Western Sonoma County, CA. Her focus there is on developing a model of carbon-sequestering land use that includes food forests and savannahs, planned grazing, and regenerative forestry.
Starhawk is a frequent traveler, spreading her knowledge and skills on earth-based spirituality, permaculture, and activism through lectures and teachings internationally. For more information, visit her website.
Editoral Review
The Fifth Sacred Thing is a masterpiece of eco-fantasy and visionary fiction written by Starhawk. This novel, published on January 1, 1993, is a classic of its genre, exploring themes of social justice, spirituality, and environmentalism.
Starhawk is a renowned activist, feminist, and writer, known for her works on earth-based spirituality and social change. Her expertise in these areas shines through in this novel, which is a testament to her passion and skill.
The Fifth Sacred Thing is set in the future, where a group of people in San Francisco have created a utopian society based on principles of nonviolence, cooperation, and respect for the earth. The story follows the lives of several main characters, including Maya Greenwood, a healer and visionary; Madrone, a young warrior; and Bird, a wise elder.
The central conflict of the plot arises when a neighboring city, led by a ruthless dictator, threatens to invade and destroy their way of life.
Starhawk’s writing is exquisite, and she creates a vivid and compelling world that draws the reader in from the very first page. Her descriptions of the city of San Francisco, even in the midst of destruction, are breathtakingly beautiful.
The characters are well-developed and complex, with their own unique personalities and motivations. The pacing of the plot is perfect, with just the right amount of tension and suspense to keep the reader engaged throughout.
One of the greatest strengths of The Fifth Sacred Thing is its relevance to current events and issues. Starhawk’s vision of a world based on cooperation and respect for the earth is more important now than ever before, and her insights into the nature of power, violence, and oppression are still relevant today.
The novel also has significant historical and cultural significance, as it was written during a time of great social change and activism.
Despite its many strengths, The Fifth Sacred Thing is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the novel’s eco-fantasy elements to be too fantastical, while others may find the ending to be too abrupt.
However, these limitations are minor in the grand scheme of things, and do not detract from the overall quality of the work.
Overall, The Fifth Sacred Thing is a must-read for anyone interested in eco-fantasy, visionary fiction, or social justice. Starhawk’s writing is powerful and inspiring, and her vision of a better world is one that we should all strive to achieve.
I give this novel a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on its exceptional writing, well-developed characters, and its relevance to current issues.
