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A review by elliexreads
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
challenging
dark
tense
fast-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? No
4.5
I really enjoyed this book - it was fast-paced, tense, dramatic, upsetting, unsettling, poignant and really entertaining to read (in a dark, horrible way). As my parents pointed out, both Dana and Kevin, and the occupants of the 19th Century plantation, accept the existence of time travel pretty quickly. Unbelievably quickly. But you know, there were more important things and I’m glad we just got on with the plot rather than agonising over the whys and wherefores. This is a science fiction and also a historical fiction, grappling with gender, race, sexuality and humanity. Really really good!
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child death, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Suicide attempt, Murder, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail