59 pages • 1 hour read
Kindred
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Book Brief
264
Novel • Fiction
California And Maryland • 1970s and 1810s
1979
Adult
16+ years
580L
Super Short Summary
In Octavia E. Butler's novel Kindred, a young Black woman named Dana Franklin time travels between 1976 and 1800s Maryland, tethered to a white ancestor, Rufus Weylin. As she navigates the brutal realities of slavery, Dana learns how deeply her past is linked to Rufus and must adapt to survive while striving to ensure her own future. The book includes depictions of suicide, sexual assault, sexual coercion, and graphic violence.
Dark
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Emotional
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
254,215 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Octavia E. Butler's Kindred receives high praise for its compelling narrative and powerful handling of complex themes like slavery and racial injustice. Readers laud its emotional depth and unique blend of science fiction and historical fiction. Some critique the graphic violence, finding it distressing. Overall, it's celebrated as an impactful, thought-provoking work.
Who Should Read Kindred?
Readers who enjoy Kindred by Octavia E. Butler are typically fans of speculative fiction intertwined with historical narratives. They often appreciate themes of social justice and complex character dynamics. Comparable titles include The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood and Beloved by Toni Morrison, which likewise explore power, identity, and resilience.
254,215 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
264
Novel • Fiction
California And Maryland • 1970s and 1810s
1979
Adult
16+ years
580L
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