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Kindred 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)

What listeners say about Kindred

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Love!

This story and performance was fantastic!
Love all the different voices. Can’t wait to share the story with others

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Now I Understand Why its A Beloved Classic

Get passed the laboured opening and you will be well rewarded. Antebellum America is made real in this beautifully rendered time travel tale.. Now I understand why it's a beloved classic.

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So much detail to history

I loved this version of the book kindred. I have ADHD so I read the book and the listen to it on audible at the same time. It was consistent with the wording except for a few sentences.
The actress playing the voice over for all of these characters is so talented in her work and gift.
This book even though written nearly 40yesrs ago is still very much relevant to todays society.
Facing issues from slavery, to intergenerational trauma and most specifically the dystopia twist.
This work needs to be more readily available for all young people to read and learn about black history and the conditions of living in the south at that era.
Very graphic scenes which made this book even so captivating could not put down - have purchased her next book.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Interesting time jump story

This story about an African-american woman jumping back in time, the time before the civil war. I found the start a little confusing but the end was wow. Issues of slavery, freedom, violence and rap and how this linked to central characters. The narrator made this story stand out and hatd to press stop on.

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A pioneering classic for a reason

Incredibly beautifully written, the plot keeps you guessing until the last chapter, and it’s read so well with different captivating voices and accents. Thank you Octavia E Butler.

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loved this story

Loved this story and narration. I can see why it is a classic . Very well read and good characters.

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Get past the beginning.

Hard to get into and the voices are blended by the reader.
However, gives a good understanding of slave life and well handled time travel elements. Overall much enjoyed.

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Fascinating premise

I enjoyed this thoughtful book. The time travel was an unusual premise, and particularly interesting given the modern setting was the 1970s and I'm reading it in 2022.
Modern perspectives of slave times were similar to mine, except for the deeper pain of the author's black experience that made her writing about slavery much more personal. I'm grateful to have read that, too. I would have liked more explanations for the time travel and some of the gaps filled in, e.g. to learn more of her husband's experience. a good read that will make you think and wonder how you would respond in a similar situation.

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  • Overall
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Good book

It was a good book to listen to but I was a little disappointed with the ending

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    3 out of 5 stars

not too bad

It was an enjoyable book, not something that I would normally be interested in.

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