Kindred

by Octavia Butler, Octavia E. Butler
Kindred cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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Paperback • £9.99–£10.99
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  • ID: 1576
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2026-01-06
  • ISBN: 9780807006924
  • Publisher: Beacon Press
  • Published: 2022-09-20
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

Kindred is a groundbreaking novel that blends science fiction with historical fiction, offering a harrowing journey through time. Dana, a modern-day Black woman, is repeatedly pulled back to the antebellum South to save a white plantation heir named Rufus, whose life is intricately linked to her own existence. As she navigates the horrors of slavery, Dana's struggle to maintain her autonomy and return to the present becomes a powerful commentary on the cyclical nature of racism and the resilience of the human spirit. /n/n Octavia Butler's masterpiece is celebrated for its precise and controlled narrative, avoiding gratuitous violence while vividly portraying the dehumanizing effects of slavery. The novel's exploration of identity, history, and the personal cost of survival makes it a timeless and essential read. Kindred has paved the way for contemporary neo-slavery narratives, leaving a lasting impact on literature and social discourse.

Reviews
What is Quinn Reading · Quinn · 2025-04-10
harrowing 4.50

The exploration of white supremacy and sexism is harrowing, with the narrative's impact amplified by its brutal honesty. The book's themes resonate deeply, making it a powerful read.

Quinn delves into the novel's unflinching portrayal of systemic oppression, noting how the story's intensity is both its strength and its challenge. They appreciate the way Butler weaves historical and personal narratives together, creating a compelling and thought-provoking experience. However, the graphic nature of the content can be difficult to process, making it a book that lingers long after the last page.

Quick quotes

    We travel side-by-side with Dana, exploring how the ripples of white supremacy and sexism literally echo through time, with horrific results.

    The narrative's impact is amplified by its brutal honesty, making it a powerful read.

    Butler's writing is both compelling and harrowing, leaving a lasting impression.

Grimdark Magazine · 2023-01-19
harrowing 4.50

The book is a harrowing tale that effectively highlights the impact of a country's history and generational trauma. It is praised for its brilliant storytelling.

This review emphasizes the book's ability to confront readers with the brutal realities of slavery and its lasting effects. The reviewer finds the narrative compelling and impactful, noting that the author's skillful writing makes the harrowing content bearable. They appreciate how the story forces readers to engage with difficult themes, making it a significant and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    Kindred is a magnificent read.

    A harrowing, horrible tale told brilliantly to make a significant point about a country's history and the generational trauma.

    It's a book that demands to be read and discussed.

Kara Reviews · Kara Babcock · 2021-08-10
brilliant 5.00

The book is both discomforting and brilliant, admired for its intensity and standalone brilliance. The reviewer finds it energizing despite its challenging content.

Kara Babcock describes the book as discomforting yet brilliant, praising its intensity and the way it stands alone as a powerful work. They admire the author's ability to tackle difficult subjects with such skill and energy. While the content is challenging, the reviewer finds the book to be a masterful piece of literature that is well worth the emotional investment.

Quick quotes

    Discomforting in its intensity yet energizing in its brilliance.

    I admire it especially for being a discrete, standalone work.

    This is a book that demands to be read and discussed.

What Kate Read Next · 2020-08-10
powerful 4.00

The first-person perspective makes the story incredibly powerful and effective. The narrative is both intense and energizing.

The reviewer emphasizes the effectiveness of the first-person perspective in placing readers directly into the protagonist's shoes, making the experience deeply personal and impactful. They appreciate the book's intensity and brilliance, noting how it stands out as a discrete, standalone work. The narrative's ability to engage and challenge readers is particularly highlighted.

Quick quotes

    Through using the first-person perspective, Butler directly places the reader in Dana's shoes - it is so powerful and effective.

    Discomforting in its intensity yet energizing in its brilliance

    I admire it especially for being a discrete, standalone work.

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