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Kindred

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Kindred

Written 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
Fantasy Fiction Literature & Fiction Science Fiction Time Travel
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What the critics say

"[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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What listeners say about Kindred

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loved it

stumbled upon this by chance, drew me in right to the end of the story

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Great Listen

Slavery is always tough subject matter, but this is definitely a different twist and worth your time.

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Great book and narrator

I enjoyed the book emencely and the narrator was fantastic. I recommend this book.

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Wonderful

I thoroughly enjoyed Octavia Butler’s novel and found that narrator’s reading of it entirely superb!

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Fascinating!

I wasn’t sure when I first started listening to this book but it kept getting better and better! Loved it!

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All around great story

I truly enjoyed this book from start to finish! Hated to put it down sorry when it was finished.

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Really enjoyed

Great book, I got really invested in the characters and felt it was so well written. Great narrator performance also.

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Suspenseful and thought-provoking

An excellent read. Explored themes of adaptation, aggrieved entitlement, and of course living under the institution of slavery.

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great!

I'd recommend. A bit aged but still a good listen. A bit of an abrupt end.

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Creative

A different approach to the topic of slavery and race relations in the US. Top marks for creativity/story line and the narrator was excellent. What would it be like if you were African American in the modern world and you had the chance to go back in time to confront your white, slave owner, great great grandfather on his plantation.

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