Kindred ★★★★★

Kindred (Click Here To Buy)

★★★★★

Kindred by Octavia Butler is a science fiction/African American literature book about a present-day Black woman (written in 1979) who keeps getting sucked back into the Antebellum south to save one of her white ancestors.

I have been wanting to read this book for years, and finally received it in @readerinlove 's Book-O-Ween Book Swap.

This book is a really unique way to tell a slave narrative due to the time travel element. Dana, the protagonist, is moving into a new house in California with her white husband, Kevin, when she becomes dizzy and is transported to 1819 Maryland where she saves a red haired white boy named Rufus from drowning. After saving him, a gun is pointed at Dana and her fear sends her back to her present time. Over the course of the next month, Dana continues to be sent back to the past to save Rufus at various times in his life. Dana stays on the plantation where Rufus lives for sometimes months at a time but is only gone from present day from mere minutes or hours. Each time Dana is there, she stays for longer periods until she realizes what she has to do.

Having a strong Black woman with present day beliefs reflecting on the horrors of slavery as she experiences them first hand emphasizes the power dynamic between Dana and Rufus to show how Dana is unwilling to submit and accept the ideals of slavery. Dana’s experience also directly reflects the historical trauma that remains as a result of slavery. This book was phenomenal and I can already tell you it will be one of the best books I read all year.

I have also read The Fledgling by this author and The Parable of the Sower is on my TBR.

If you liked Kindred, I also recommend The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates, The Underground Railroad by Colston Whitehead, Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff, and The Good House by Tananarive Due.

Happy reading :)

Ms.Bjork