Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 287 pages
Published: June 1979

So, I read Kindred by Octavia E. Butler with my new beau who wanted to connect with me through one of my favorite pastimes … reading. 😍 This historical, science fiction novel - the first of its type written by a Black woman - is about a young woman, Dana, who in present day, is a married 26-year old in the year 1976. However, she unexplainably and involuntarily travels back to the antebellum south via a Quantum Leap-esque time-warp to oversee a young white boy who is connected to her, and then just as mysteriously travels back to present-day. She never knows when it’s going to happen or how long she will remain in either time period. 

Because of the topical nature of the book there were many passages that were difficult to read and envision. As with most stories like this, there were extreme acts of evil but also fleeting moments of compassion. The insecurity the protagonist felt in vacillating between the two worlds was easily imagined by the reader and also gave an idea of how enslaved people may have felt when being forced to interact with cruel and spontaneously hateful slave owners. 

This is an interesting take on historical fiction with an unexpected science fiction twist. It’s creative, well-written and should be read. Science fiction is not my genre of choice, but Kindred is one of my favorite books.  

Recommendation: I recommend this book to anyone. It’s a fast and heart-wrenching read. I think mature teenagers and adults alike can appreciate this writing. Let us continue to learn about history in a myriad of ways lest we repeat it, OK? 

Trigger warnings: descriptive physical violence, rape

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.