Kindred
Ratings432
Average rating4.4
Deceptively simple prose, a wide and complicated spanning of human emotions, and time travel that feels almost natural. I can't believe this book was written in 1979.
Completely engaging. This is a marked divergence from the more fantastical Patternist series; here Butler uses time travel as a completely unexplained mechanic to provide a uniquely sci-fi perspective on first-person slave narrative. In doing so, I think she shows us things about slave America than a contemporary account would not necessarily be able to do.
For me, the most surprising realisation was that even though we're taught about the existence of slave stereotypes, having not read first-person slave narratives before it's startling to see the ways in which characters draw from or step outside of those stereotypes. Sarah is my favourite example of this. She talks Dana down from all sorts of foolhardy choices, so we begin to think of her in an Uncle Tom kind of role, but we learn that underneath she is simmering with more anger and resentment at the loss of her children than Dana, or I, could really understand.
Other interesting points come in the relationship of Dana and Rufus; she is his savior several times over and yet is not just unable to wrest Rufus from the mindset of a white man of his time, but he actively forces her into compliance with his wishes when he sends her to bring Alice to him. Despite her self-loathing, she does as bid (as does Alice), and it is not until she is pushed to killing him that she is freed.
Kevin and Dana's differing relationships to the period are also worth looking at. Dana thinks she should be able to wrest control of the situation, but instead ends up needing to ride it out, and even then she cannot return from the experience whole. Kevin thinks himself able to manage, and does in fact survive for five years and help slaves, but Butler shows us that he doesn't have the kind of awareness of the dynamics at play. His request of Dana to scribe is eerily similar to Rufus'.
Overall, Kindred is incredibly gripping. The pacing is fantastic, episodes slowly building up, the characterisation of the cast is extremely moving, down even to more minor characters like Nigel or Tess. I read this in basically one sitting! If you want to examine our modern relationship to historical slavery, why not literally place a modern character into slavery?
Strengths: -Powerful Themes: Butler masterfully delves into the harsh realities of slavery and the lingering effects of racism. The novel challenges readers to confront the past and consider its implications for the present, making it a powerful and thought-provoking read. - Engaging Concept: The time-travel element is not just a gimmick but a central thing that Butler uses to explore the intersections of history and personal identity. It creates a sense of urgency and tension that keeps me engaged. - Character Complexity: Dana is a strong, relatable protagonist. Her courage, resourcefulness, and moral dilemmas make her a compelling character, and her evolving relationship with Rufus adds layers of complexity to the story. - Emotional Impact: The novel effectively conveys the emotional and psychological toll of slavery, both on those who endure it and those who witness it. Butler's vivid descriptions and thoughtful character development allow the reader to feel the weight of Dana's experiences.
Weaknesses: - Pacing: While the story is engaging, there are moments where the pacing slows, particularly in the middle sections. Some scenes feel repetitive, which makes one feel like it starts becoming relative and the flow in my reading stops up. - Narrative Structure: The back-and-forth between the present and the past, while integral to the story, occasionally disrupts the narrative flow.
Dana es una mujer afroamericana que vive en la California de 1976 y que, luego de un desmayo en su casa el día de su cumpleaños, viaja al pasado, a principios del siglo XIX, donde se encuentra con un niño blanco hijo de un esclavista. Dana iniciaría una serie de viajes en el tiempo que la llevarían a conocer sus antepasados y, a la vez, sobrevivir en un tiempo en el que la sociedad abraza la esclavitud y la violencia hacia los cuerpos negros.
EN/FR Review
"Kindred" is a novel that I believe I may have missed out on. While I appreciated the story and the author's writing style, I struggled to remain focused on the narrative. Butler's prose is engaging and thought-provoking, yet I found myself frequently distracted while reading.
The premise of time travel and its impact on identity and history fascinated me, but external factors in my life made it challenging to fully immerse myself in the book. I intend to revisit "Kindred" in the future when my circumstances are less complicated, hoping for a deeper appreciation of its themes and narrative depth.
Overall, "Kindred" offers a compelling exploration of race, history, and identity, enriched by Butler's skillful storytelling. It's a book that deserves careful attention and reflection, which I hope to give it upon a second reading.
"Kindred" est un roman que je pense avoir un peu négligé. Bien que j'aie apprécié l'histoire et le style d'écriture de l'auteure, j'ai eu du mal à rester concentré sur le récit. La prose de Butler est captivante et profonde, mais je me suis souvent senti distrait pendant ma lecture.
Le thème du voyage dans le temps et son impact sur l'identité et l'histoire m'a fasciné, mais des facteurs externes dans ma vie ont rendu difficile une immersion totale dans le livre. J'ai l'intention de relire "Kindred" à l'avenir, lorsque mes circonstances seront moins compliquées, espérant ainsi mieux apprécier ses thèmes et sa profondeur narrative.
Dans l'ensemble, "Kindred" offre une exploration captivante de la race, de l'histoire et de l'identité, enrichie par le talent narratif de Butler. C'est un livre qui mérite une attention et une réflexion approfondies, que j'espère lui accorder lors d'une seconde lecture.
If I could give this book 10 stars, I would. I loved this book so much. This is one of those books that will stay with me for a really long time.
Rating: 3.94 leaves out of 5-Characters: 3/5 -Cover: 4/5-Story: 3.5/5-Writing: 4/5Genre: Classic, Fantasy, HisFic, Scifi, Time Travel -Classic: 5/5-Fantasy: 4/5-HisFic: 5/5-Scifi: 2/5-Time Travel: 5/5Type: EbookWorth?: YeahHated Disliked Meh It Was Okay Liked Really Liked LovedA novel on such a sensitive topic is always hard to rate and review. You have so many elements you need to consider and it takes a while. Books like this you need to sit and stew in the information you were given. Let's start with the one who created this whole thing Rufus he was the epitome of a pathetic human. I could go into more but that would just be me ranting. Then we talk about Dana. I loved her strength and how she even understood herself but her flaw was sometimes not giving the equal treatment to her husband. For example, him coming back after 5 years and then thinking all of a sudden he isn't going to be the same person and that he isn't adjusting like he should, while also talking about how she needed to adjust? Like give the man some damn time. .This part is MY opinion if you don't like it you can skip your lil ass right on:I found it flat and though she told us the emotions I didn't feel Octavia's. Not saying she didn't put any of that into her book but for me I just wasn't receiving it. I am more of an angst woman so reading something that deals with such topics I want to feel it on my level. BUT that doesn't mean I think she SHOULD have written it like that. I think she wrote it how she wanted to and if she is happy with the book then so am I.
I would say is if you are a person who prefer descriptive prose over dialogue heavy then you might find this one a bit more challenging, as it's almost entirely plot driven prose but even then I would still recommend giving it a try.
This is a story about a modern black woman is teleported back in time to the 1800's through a connection with a white ancestor who lives on a plantation. This creates an interesting dynamic with their relationship as she obviously has a vested interest in his survival, given that her own relies on it, but at the same time having to balance that with the horrific events that unfolded during this time period. A period that said ancestor is very much a part and product of. That's the premise of the book without spoilers mind you and it sets up very complex interracial relationships with themes centered around power dynamics, guilt, bigotry, racism, trauma, comparing modern sensibilities to past beliefs etc.
The conceit is simple enough. It's 1976 and Dana Franklin is moving into her new apartment when she is suddenly transported to the antebellum South of 1819 where she saves a young boy named Rufus. A boy that is a pivotal branch in Dana's own family tree that must be kept alive to ensure Dana continues to exist.
Dana wrestles with her modern day understanding against the backdrop of casual violence. She is far and away more educated than any of the slave holding landowners and yet physically cowed by the merciless whipping she receives. In her words you feel the abject fear that prevents her from making the attempt at escape again. You understand, in a way that wasn't available to you before, the compromises that she is willing to make, and those she accepts in others. It brings the casual cruelty of that time into sharp focus and Rufus is as compelling a villain as you will ever find on the page.
It's as harrowing a read as it is informative, and each side informs the other. An incredible accomplishment that is just as powerful now as it must have been nearly half a century ago.
An powerful story very well told, and a disturbing look into the dark history of chattel slavery in the United States. Some parts of this story hit me emotionally and I am sure they will stay with me from now on.
There are a lot of detailed reviews of this book. I suggest that it is best to skip them and come at this story ‘cold' if possible.
I am classifying this story as “fantasy” rather than “science fiction” because no scientific justification or mechanism is given for the time-travel elements. It just happens.
I read this for book club and because my daughter has to read it for school. Powerful and thought-provoking. I've been hearing about Octavia Butler a lot lately, so I was surprised to realize that she wrote 30 years ago and died years ago. I'm interested to learn more about how her books were received and what prompted the renaissance.
I listened to this, and it went pretty fast.
Some of the dialogue seemed forced, and there were a couple of very small historical errors, but should be good for discussion!
This was a difficult but amazing book. I couldn't put it down and felt so engrossed in the story and characters. Highly recommend!
“Repressive societies always seemed to understand the danger of “wrong” ideas.”
I am still thinking about this one .. it will consume me for some time looks like.
It's fantastic, and different and takes us into our brutal past.
Respect to everyone who fought against racism!
A one of a kind book, highly recommended!
DNF @ 14% - audiobook
This just isn't my cup of tea. I couldn't get into it at all. May try to pick it up again someday in the future.
I read the graphic novel- which I really liked - but this!!! THIS blew me away when I already knew the story and how much I liked it...I like the book so much more!
The preparedness, the survival, the stockholm syndrome with layers of nuance that stack so nicely that you will notice something new every time. A fantastic read and you will become absolutely compelled to read on!
4.0
It's difficult and heart-breaking, and good.
Not my favourite of Butler's novels. I found the characters a little lacking, but overall it's very good.
