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Kindred

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Kindred

By: Octavia E. Butler
Narrated by: Kim Staunton
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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.

 African American Classics Fiction Historical Fiction Science Fiction Time Travel Fantasy Scary
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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)
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Could not stop listening. This story encapsulated a profound brilliance entwined with overt realism and enthralling fiction. Brilliant work!

Gripping beyond measure!

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Fanciful precepts but still a story worthy of my time and will it remain with me. The horror of the treatment of slaves needs to be told

Good step back to look into history

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

Love!

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This book was on my reading list for uni and I absolutely loved it so I’m going to purchase a hard copy. Checking my white privilege right about now. Thank you Octavia Butler!

What a brilliant performance!

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This deserves the title of a classic. It's a thematically rich, very disturbing science fiction tale on slavery in the 19th Century US, and is worthy of multiple readings. I was thoroughly immersed in the story, and will certainly read more of Octavia Butler's novels.

Terrific book, wonderfully narrated.

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