A review by dreadandsolace
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

adventurous challenging dark emotional informative sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The Solace: This was heartbreakingly good. Kindred is so well-written and pulls the emotions right out of the audience. The story also manages to be an amazing balance between historical fiction, science fiction, and a slavery memoir. For a story that has such fictional items, it also feels so real and true, probably because most of what takes place really did happen—and we're experiencing it through the lens of what-if and the comfort of our living rooms. Again, a balance that feels odd and upsetting (in the best way, I think we're meant to feel this.)

The Dread: Something about the ending just left me wanting more or something else. It wasn't a bad ending—in fact, I very much felt that this was the only way the story could go—but maybe that's why I wanted more, and I imagine that's the feeling you're meant to leave with. 

Overall, this was powerfully sad. By the end, I felt angry, disgusted, and heartbroken. It's one of those stories that I'm wiped out by, but I am so glad I read it for the interesting journey and perspective.