A review by pastelwriter
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

challenging dark emotional slow-paced
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
This was a phenomenal novel. It truly leaves no doubt as to why it has maintained its relevancy. This is so not only because of its content but because of its craft. 

One of the amazing things about this novel is how complexly Butler wrote each of the characters. All of them are far from perfect, and you can see both what might make them charming and horrifying. It was truly remarkable. 

It’s a novel that explores not just how slavery continues to have lasting impacts on both Black and white people, but also a novel that explores the concept of how far you would go to preserve your own existence. How much would you be willing to overlook in order to make sure you get to exist in the future? What would it take for you to commit violence against another human being? What does it mean to care for someone who has and will continue to harm you? 

This book explores that and so much more. It was a challenging read, but a worthwhile one. I am definitely grateful that I finally got around to reading it because of my sci-fi book club.