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A review by hinoki
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I knew of this book, but never felt the need to pick it up because the premise seemed too... basic. It just felt to obvious to have a Black person time travel to a time when being Black was the worst.
Then I saw that there was an adaptation of the series on Hulu. I decided to give it a try because, why now? I could always turn it off. I ended up really liking it and it ended on a cliff hanger, so I knew I would have to pick up the book.
It turns out that the book is really different, but I still really enjoyed it.The most shocking difference is the plot line with Dana's mom. That's just not in the book at all and I wonder why they added it to the show.
My favorite aspect of the book is Dana. I think Dana is such an interesting character, I haven't read may books with a protagonist like her. She is very confident/self-assured, but not in a "badass" kind of way. Like she's no Katniss but she still holds her own. There's something mature about her that many protags are missing.
One thing I liked about the show, that I think enhances the book is child Rufus. The actor who plays him needs an Emmy because he's so cute even when he's annoying. I kept this image in my mind so whenRufus gets older and much worse it's honestly heart breaking to see how he's changed.
Although I did like this book, I do have to subtract one star because of the book's attitude towardssexual assault. When Rufus assaults Alice I was confused as to whether it had actually happened or not because Dana seemed so unconcerned. I also didn't understand her treatment of Rufus after all the horrible things he did, especially at the end. I guess you could say it was some sort of commentary on the Stockholm syndrome effect of slavery, but also I tried to read Wild Seed and it really makes we question the author's intent.
Then I saw that there was an adaptation of the series on Hulu. I decided to give it a try because, why now? I could always turn it off. I ended up really liking it and it ended on a cliff hanger, so I knew I would have to pick up the book.
It turns out that the book is really different, but I still really enjoyed it.
My favorite aspect of the book is Dana. I think Dana is such an interesting character, I haven't read may books with a protagonist like her. She is very confident/self-assured, but not in a "badass" kind of way. Like she's no Katniss but she still holds her own. There's something mature about her that many protags are missing.
One thing I liked about the show, that I think enhances the book is child Rufus. The actor who plays him needs an Emmy because he's so cute even when he's annoying. I kept this image in my mind so when
Although I did like this book, I do have to subtract one star because of the book's attitude towards
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery and Racial slurs
Moderate: Rape