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Kindred cover art

Kindred

By: Octavia E. Butler
Narrated by: Kim Staunton
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Summary

The first science-fiction written by a Black woman, Kindred has become a cornerstone of African-American literature. This combination of slave memoir, fantasy, and historical fiction is a novel of rich literary complexity.

Having just celebrated her 26th birthday in 1976 California, Dana, an African-American woman, is suddenly and inexplicably wrenched through time into antebellum Maryland. After saving a drowning White boy there, she finds herself staring into the barrel of a shotgun and is transported back to the present just in time to save her life.

During numerous such time-defying episodes with the same young man, she realizes the challenge she's been given: to protect this young slaveholder until he can father her own great-grandmother.

Author Octavia E. Butler skilfully juxtaposes the serious issues of slavery, human rights, and racial prejudice with an exciting science-fiction, romance, and historical adventure. Kim Staunton's narrative talent magically transforms the listener's earphones into an audio time machine.

©2000 Octavia Butler (P)2000 Recorded Books, LLC

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Critic reviews

"[ Kindred] is a shattering work of art with much to say about love, hate, slavery and racial dilemmas, then and now." ( Los Angeles Herald Examiner)
"Truly terrifying." ( Essence)
"Butler's literary craftsmanship is superb." ( The Washington Post Book World)

What listeners say about Kindred

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  • Overall
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Interesting and different

A bizarre look back into slavery times from a time jumping protagonist.. very well written

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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A tough listen

This is a remarkable book and it is obviously where Audrey Niffinger sourced the idea for Time Travellers Wife.
The main character is uncontrollably sent back and forth through time from 1970 to the American south during the slave trade era.
Thus far so good, a great idea, but what happens to her there is so brutal at times, that I had to keep playing the book forward to miss the graphic violence.
I ended up missing some of the plot because of this, and lost momentum.
Sadly I didnt make it to the end.
No doubt an important book, but deeply upsetting and should carry a trigger warning and I didn’t get my moneys worth.

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3 people found this helpful

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Kim Staunton incredible performance

Narration here felt very loyal to Octavia Butler, even evolving the accents of the characters through their journey.

Complicity is a painful part of the characters' experiences in this novel and at the same time helps it feel true and makes it feel every more important and heartfelt. Trauma pulls us all back to face versions of ourselves that we thought had escaped the fate of being born 200 years previous.

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loved it

I always am captivated when characters move through time and this was no exception. I'm once again aware that White Privilege is real. 🥺 it breaks my heart that this book tells stories that really happened.
I read this after I heard it reviewed on TV and I would thoroughly recommend it to everyone.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Powerful and relevant

Brilliant and compelling genre-defying storytelling, weaving themes of racism, sexism, power and redemption. Highly recommended.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Really liked it

Interesting, thought provoking and brilliantly read.
weaving historical fact with modern fiction really well done.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Fantastic.

Never a dull moment. Each character is wholly unique yet believable. Historical fiction meets Sci fi and it's the most perfect blend.

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  • Overall
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Great listen

Refreshing narrative and insight into a part of history. The author balances history and context well.

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wow!

I loved this book, found myself driving around when nearly home so I could continue to listen, never wanted it to end.

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1 person found this helpful

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Brilliant and engaging

If you don't like sci-fi, do not be put off by the time traveling aspect of this book, it's not focused on and it's a brilliant tool to look into the life of slaves and slave masters in early 1800's Southern America through the eyes of a modern lady who is far more relatable to.

The story is told brilliantly, it's gripping and I found myself making extra time to listen.

The narration is also fantastic.

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