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Summary: A wonderful story that provokes such emotion in so few pages
Review: I love this book! I've read at least a half a dozen times yet each time, I become so engrossed that it leads to discusses and I end up lending my copy out and/or purchasing additional copies for family and friends. It's too good not to share. Octavia Butler described the situation in such vivid detail that I literally had to read with my back to a wall, I had to be aware of everything around me. It was almost like a twilight zone feeling. The character Dana travels back and forth through time and space to save her family. Once even (by accident) Kevin, her white husband, goes with her. It's amazing how good the author was at describing just how his attitude changed. Like I said, the story provokes such emotion. My 13 year old son and I are reading the book to each other this week (one chapter each night). I want him to understand the many lessons this book presents from racism, love (both healthy and unhealthy), slavery and the development of a slave mentality (even in present day), trusting, having faith, and just believing.
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Summary: What a great book!
Review: If I had heard the storyline of this book before I read it, black woman travels back in time to become a slave and help her ancestors, I would have thought, "How stupid." When I read this book, however, it was completely different. All of the events in this book made sense and seemed real, unlike so many books of this kind. Octavia E. Butler really has a way of making you feel Dana's emotions, how she forgives Rufus, how she feels about slaves, and how she fears for her life. I recommend this book to anyone.
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Summary: I was amazed
Review: Octavia Butler has long been my favorite author and I believed I had read every book she has written. Purchased Parrable of the Talent the day Amazon sent me a notice it was released. So imagine my surprise when before waiting on line at the DMV I went to an ethnic book store and realized I haven't read Kindred. Well the line took three hours and I finished that book that very night. I didn't think its possible, but her book writen in 1976 was even better than Parrable of the Sower. Also the Introduction is well worth the read.
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Summary: A Wonderful Escape
Review: I was a little reluctant to read this sci-fi book, but when I committed myself and found myself really getting into this book and the storyline, I couldn't put the book down. I enjoyed this book immensely. My bookclub selected it as our November selection and I thought that I would have to "make" due. Well, Ms. Butler has a wonderful way of telling a story. I felt that I was actually there on the plantation waiting to travel back to present day. This was a wonderful book and I do recommend it. She has gained a fan.
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Summary: One of the greatest books i have ever read about slavery.
Review: On May 22 i will turn 14. Most people think that maybe "little children" like me won't understand the true meaning of this book until we are older. I beg to differ. I understood that life as a slave in the time of whips and the sales of human beings. The part i had trouble understanding was why whites and humans all over would do such a thing as sell human beings. Butler helped the reader to understand key points in the 1800's that brought tears to my eyes. I have never read such a book in my life. Butler takes the life of Dana and her husband Kevin and makes it a struggle for them both. It just goes to show that love will over power any danger.
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Summary: A Rare Gem
Review: KINDRED is the best sci-fi novel I have ever read. This is because I am not a fan of traditional sci-fi, but then Octavia Butler is not your traditional sci-fi author. Butler was able to successfully weave all genres into this novel. Along the realms of Toni Morrison's BELOVED, Kindred literally wraps you up into the tale of Dana, a 26 year old woman dealing with identity issues. The slave scenes were superbly and accurately depicted by Butler. I was able to identify fully with Dana and her relationship with Rufus thoughout the story. Kindred, keeps the reader fully engrossed and satiated once you have finished the last page. I discovered this book while taking a Afro Studies class in college and feel in love with it. I have read the book again, since then and enjoyed it as much as I did the first time. I recommend Kindred as excellent reading for everyone.
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Summary: A one-sitting read through book!
Review: I utterly adored this novel! Octavia Butler combines a fine blend of history, science fiction, and drama to the story to keep you interested from front cover to back. The issue of time travel is used to her advantage, and it has a great effect even though it is unexplained. The issues of the station of blacks and women in the world gives the story its base. Also her technique is very good - she weaves past with present in her telling of the novel and so supplies the reader with enough background information to make the book better developed. It is a definately a must read book!
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Summary: Brilliant and insightful journey into the human spirit.
Review: The woman is a genius! She takes the reader through the American slave experience with all the ambivalence and nuance of humanity. The reader feels deep in the bones how power, and it's lack, can corrupt and degrade. Her insight into human motivations is peerless. Alright, enough gushing. Octavia is truly one of the most powerful, disturbing authors I have ever read. There is something about how she illuminates humanity by warping it almost beyond recognition. Usually she accomplishes this by writing of aliens, or strange powers. But then, what is more alien to the modern mind than slavery, or the strange powers it bestows?
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Summary: KINDRED IS "A MUST READ"
Review: I am the proud president of a local book club here in Atlanta (Circle of Friends II) and we read KINDRED as our Nov. '98 Book Selection. I initially thought the book would be a sci-fi read and would be my first in that category. Much to my surprise, the book dealt with many issues that hit close to home. The main thing I would like to mention on this review is that Ms. Butler reminded African-Americans of the days of slavery in way in which was very thought-provoking (to say the least) and then she showed the survival skills used by Dana in the story which I found to be rather interesting. The discussion of this book really was one of best this year. Hats off to Ms. Butler, I have recently purchased your new novel, "Parable of the Talents". Kindred is definitely a must read!
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Summary: Historical fiction, science fiction, a great read all-around
Review: This book is simply fabulous. The main character, a black woman of the late 20th century trapped in the misogynistic, racially prejudiced world of early 19th-century Maryland, is developed and so true to life that readers are easily caught up in her struggles and share in her experiences. This book can teach us a great deal about ourselves: the prejudices we have and don't acknowledge, the history and heritage behind those prejudices, and the importance of connection with the self, the community, and family. Dana is estranged from her own family, yet she must bear the burden of protecting Rufus in order to preserve that family and her own existence. She must become a part of the slave community in order to protect herself. This book has become the instant favorite of everyone I have lent it to, and it is often listed in the syllabi of courses at my college. I recommend it to anyone and everyone.
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