A review by pinkiereads
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

challenging dark 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

incredibly hard read. at first i was frustrated, and unable to get into it. but towards the end as the relationship between dana and rufus truly developed and became more twisted, i began to not enjoy it per say but to appreciate it. heartbreaking and painful, weirdly at times funny? sometimes not my favorite pacing, but in the end i understood why it was so important. the nuance and contradictions were as hard to accept as a reader as it was for dana to accept them living it… i feel i may be thinking about this for a while. a different approach and kind of dignity than, say, the heaven and earth grocery store, but dignity in slavery would have to look different to survive, as dana learns. i’m glad i read it

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Slavery

it’s a book about slavery, so don’t go into it expecting it to be gentle. it doesn’t hold back, and it is truly painful to read at times. be prepared if you want to read it, it’s worth it but it’s not something to pick up on a whim