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kirstenrose22's review against another edition
5.0
This was unbelievably good. A basic time travel scenario - a black woman from 1976 is repeatedly carried back in time to the first half of the 19th century, to protect an ancestor of hers (and ensure that the next generation is born, so that she can someday be born as well). Most of the book is about her efforts to come to terms with life as a black woman / as a slave (because it's almost impossible for her to be anything else) in the historical period - of course, she struggles quite a bit, but also realizes that there are certain things she must do in order to just survive. The contrast between her modern life and the historical one is huge. I think this is one of the best time-travel books I've ever read that really deals with the *psychological* effects. The slavery sections are pretty graphic and horrible - somewhat hard to read - but to good effect.
It makes me wonder what sorts of things my ancestors might have endured on a daily basis that I would have trouble just wrapping my mind around.....
Highly recommended.
It makes me wonder what sorts of things my ancestors might have endured on a daily basis that I would have trouble just wrapping my mind around.....
Highly recommended.
queenbeekyspeaky's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
arojo1's review against another edition
4.0
I think Kindred is a book that will stay with someone forever. Little aspects of it will be remembered and thought about, just like the uniqueness and importance of this book. 4 stars because the ending was abrupt and considering the vast amount of detail in the rest of this book, a disappointment.
blairmahoney's review against another edition
5.0
The first book I've read by Butler and it definitely won't be the last. She doesn't bother with any of the mechanics of the time travel and the characters don't seem greatly concerned with trying to find an explanation for why the protagonist finds herself propelled into the past from 1970s California to a slave plantation in early nineteenth century Maryland, beyond the fact that she is 'called' at crucial times when an ancestor is in danger of dying. It's a terrific depiction of slavery and its implications and how someone from the present day would cope with being thrust into that world, on either side of the race divide. Published in 1979, this has not dated at all 40 years on which in itself is a fine form of time travel.
cupitonians's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
baileyyxavier's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
julaun's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture and Racism
Moderate: Suicide, Violence, and Slavery
Minor: Miscarriage
queenbethie's review against another edition
4.0
Very enjoyable book that makes you wonder what you are willing to change about yourself or live with should you find yourself in a different culture than your own. The story keeps your interest through the end.