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Kindred

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Kindred

By: Octavia E. Butler
Narrated by: Kim Staunton
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About this listen

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 African American Fantasy Fiction Science Fiction Time Travel Scary

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)
All stars
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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.

Now I Understand Why its A Beloved Classic

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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.

So much detail to history

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From the very beginning, the story and narration had me obsessed. The tale was so gripping, and I liked how it at no point shielded the protagonist. I will definitely be buying the hardcopy to add to my library.

WOW!!!

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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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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 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.

Interesting time jump story

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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.

A pioneering classic for a reason

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

loved this story

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