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Kindred  By  cover art

Kindred

By: Octavia E. Butler
Narrated by: Kim Staunton
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Publisher's 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

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)

Featured Article: The 25 Best Time Travel Listens to Take You on an Unforgettable Journey


Time travel is one of science fiction's most popular subgenres. Fans are drawn to its infinite possibilities, offering a glimpse into past cultures, societies, and pivotal events while exploring big what if? questions. What if you knew what would happen next in your life? What if you could go back and change history? What if you did change history? With this guide, you're sure to find an exciting audiobook to transport you to the perfect place in another time.

Editor's Pick

Shakes you to your bones
"I approached Kindred about a year ago knowing it was a classic. I don’t usually do well with classics—I get impatient with old-fashioned language and plodding plots—but this wasn’t like that at all. I was thrown off my expectations from chapter one. This story is gripping and fast-paced and uncomfortable and every bit as genius as when it was first released forty years ago. Listening with Kim Staunton’s narration made it, if possible, even more hauntingly real. This one stays with you."
Melissa B., Audible Editor

What listeners say about Kindred

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Kim Staunton's Brought it to Life

Fabulous book using time travel to explore the intricacies of relationships between people during slavery. Highly recommend.

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WOWSERS!!

What a great surprise Wasn't expecting much from this book other than a 'different' experience of history ( sci-fi)... but this was such a fresh and unexpected story Could not put it down..,

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Skips a few words

Loved it, however when listening to it, the narrator would skip over a few lines.

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Great story and narration

I loved the story. The reason why she traveled was easily laid out, I just wished more was explained on the "how" she traveled. Overall,a great listen and I'm sure I'll listen again.

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Incredible!

What an amazing story. So well written. Compelling. Would make an excellent movie. I loved every minute of this book, and will
likely listen to at least once more.

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Bravo

I loved all of it!!! Wish I’d read it sooner. Absolute page turner that you will not want to put down.

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Haunting, interesting story

Whether you are a science fiction and time travel ban, fan of historical fiction, someone interested in race relations in America or social justice, this is a fabulous compelling story. Rich complex characters and thought provoking story lines.

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Historical Fiction At It's Best

I love historical fiction books and I think this is now a new favorite. It was an interesting depiction of how enslaved people lived on Plantations from the lens of a modern day free Black woman.

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Wow

Ingenious. The way the author goes back and forth in time relieves some of the pressure of experiencing slavery in the Antebellum south, readers get a short break as she escapes briefly. But when she's thrown back in, there's no escaping the inhumanity and brutality of the era. She also showed how the enslaved tried to find ways to keep as much of their own humanity as they could. A haunting read that lingers long after the end.

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Beautifully written and wonderfully narrated

A gripping, troubling story of history, ancestry, and slavery. The is an odd tale blending science fiction and historical fiction. This story has a different spin on time travel. I really enjoyed the characters and the writing.

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