Kindred

By: Octavia E. Butler

Narrated by: Kim Staunton

Length: 10 hrs and 55 mins

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)

Wow

a friend and student have put me on to this one. my mind has been opened and there's no going back! not exactly for the faint of heart. very touching and realistic book if time travel were plausible.

kept my attention all the way through

i enjoyed this story very much. completed the audio book in two days. as a person who gets bored easily, I'm surprised to say that this story kept my attention the entire time. the narrator read it perfectly and had a wonderful voice. can't wait to hear more stories from this author.

Has me and my children SPELLBOUND

The narration was skillful and captivating. This is the first novel that I've started or completed by the amazing Octavia Butler. I was so impressed by how well and clearly written the novel is that I decided to introduce it to my 7, 8, and 10 year old daughters while riding in the car. Now, whenever we enter the car, they immediately request that I turn on Kindred.

Haunting and Disturbing

couldn't wait to hear what happened! The best kind of Sci-Fi. Captivating without being preachy

engaging story

the story kept me engaged. wished the ending was different. I nevertheless would recommend this book.

Attention engaged from the start

My mother gave me this book when I was in high school and I didn't bother to read it- I'm so glad it came back into my orbit many year later. A work of fiction that tells history's bits and pieces. I absolutely love stories about time travel and have often pondered as a black woman what a safe space in history is for me- the answer- there really isn't one. I loved how this story addressed the complicated lineage of black Americans, showing that we in the present have connections to all of our ancestors- despite how they were brought together.

Very Good

Well written and very imaginative. Almost seems as though it was just written instead of in 1979.

Octavia Bitler’s “Kindred “

Listening fully engrossed myself to the destination, completely described the illogical behavior/nature of white supremacy which dehumanized enslaved people, abused others and oppressed anyone who refused to be oppressed.

Powerful

This is An Important story. Has me thinking and feeling deeply. I do recommend this book.

Love it!

Loved it but very different from the Kindred series on FX,no mention of her mother, Olivia; Kevin and Dana are also married.