Kindred Audiobook By Octavia E. Butler cover art

Kindred

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Kindred

By: Octavia E. Butler
Narrated by: Kim Staunton
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The first science-fiction written by a Black woman, Kindred has become a cornerstone of African-American literature. This combination of slave memoir, fantasy, and historical fiction is a novel of rich literary complexity.

Having just celebrated her 26th birthday in 1976 California, Dana, an African-American woman, is suddenly and inexplicably wrenched through time into antebellum Maryland. After saving a drowning White boy there, she finds herself staring into the barrel of a shotgun and is transported back to the present just in time to save her life.

During numerous such time-defying episodes with the same young man, she realizes the challenge she's been given: to protect this young slaveholder until he can father her own great-grandmother.

Author Octavia E. Butler skilfully juxtaposes the serious issues of slavery, human rights, and racial prejudice with an exciting science-fiction, romance, and historical adventure. Kim Staunton's narrative talent magically transforms the listener's earphones into an audio time machine.

©2000 Octavia Butler (P)2000 Recorded Books, LLC African American Fantasy Science Fiction Time Travel Scary Suspenseful Thought-Provoking African Fantasy

Critic reviews

"[Kindred] is a shattering work of art with much to say about love, hate, slavery and racial dilemmas, then and now." (Los Angeles Herald Examiner)

"Truly terrifying." (Essence)

"Butler's literary craftsmanship is superb." (The Washington Post Book World)

Featured Article: These Authors of Color Are Revolutionizing Horror—Listen If You Dare!


Fortunately, authors of color have revolutionized horror, enriching it with their voices and gifts of great storytelling while using the conventions of the genre to unpack the traumas of racism, sexism, classism, and more. The writers collected here are game changers, their mastery of the craft extraordinary. Whether you’re listening at home or on the go, you might want to make sure the area is brightly lit...and that there’s nothing lurking in the shadows.

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Editor's Pick

Shakes you to your bones
"I approached Kindred about a year ago knowing it was a classic. I don’t usually do well with classics—I get impatient with old-fashioned language and plodding plots—but this wasn’t like that at all. I was thrown off my expectations from chapter one. This story is gripping and fast-paced and uncomfortable and every bit as genius as when it was first released forty years ago. Listening with Kim Staunton’s narration made it, if possible, even more hauntingly real. This one stays with you."
—Melissa B., Audible Editor

Powerful Storytelling • Innovative Premise • Distinct Character Voices • Emotional Impact • Historical Immersion

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This is a bit along the same lines. The only thing that bothered me was the lack of emotion around the horrors the character saw. She seemed almost resigned and clinical about it unless she was actively experiencing said horrors. That grated on me a little. I thought a little social commentary and interest was called for.

Having said that I enjoyed the book and I liked the premise.

The narrator was reasonable, did not add or detract from the story.

If you liked Outlander....

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This is my fist book by Butler, but it will not be my last. Though the start may be a little slow for some readers, Kindred takes the reader through many levels of emotions and some great twists and turns. And Kim Staunton does a wonderful job giving characters their voices. I really enjoyed Kindred.

A side note: before lockdown, the last book I finished was Alex Haley's Roots, which opened my eyes to the extent of the horrors of slavery in the U.S., and Butler's Kindred is the first book I've finished since then. I didn't plan it that way, but I HIGHLY recommend that order for anyone, as Roots really set me up well for deeply feeling Ms. Butler's characters and their harsh realities.

Powerful story, great narrator

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I read this for a book club and I am so thrilled that I did. I loved the storyline. Amazing narration!!

Amazing Book

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Staunton’s performance was spectacular and truly haunting. Octavia Butler’s story of a black woman being transported to the antebellum south on a plantation was gripping, the relationship she developed with the slaves was heart wrenching. Classic sci-fi, should be a part of the curriculum in school

Haunting

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Octavia knows how to tell stories and I loved the narration. Easy to get lost in the story.

Love.

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