Kindred

"Kindred" by Octavia Butler is my 4th book of 2025. The story blends time travel (science fiction) with the brutal realities of slavery, making it both an easy read and a heart-wrenching experience. Dana, the protagonist, is transported back in time to the antebellum South, where she confronts the terrifying challenges of her ancestors. Butler’s storytelling pulls you in, and you can't help but feel every emotion. The themes of identity, survival, and the painful legacy of history resonate deeply. If you’re looking for a book that will stick with you long after you've turned the last page, "Kindred" is definitely it. Highly recommended!

my reading experience: audiobook, courtesy of Libby. time spent listening/reading: 2 days Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Diving into Kindred was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride—thrilling, thought-provoking, and at times, surprisingly humorous! Who knew a journey through time could make you chuckle while tackling such serious themes? Meet Dana, who finds herself celebrating her 26th birthday with her husband Kevin, only to be yanked back in time to walk alongside her ancestors. But hold on, this isn't your typical time-travel adventure! Dana's experiences peel back the layers of generational trauma that we often overlook. Picture this: Dana enduring physical pain in the past, leaving scars that linger long after she's whisked back to her modern life. It’s a harrowing reminder that while our world may have progressed outwardly, the inner battles we face often tie us to our turbulent past. What really caught my attention? The way those from the past reacted to Dana’s sudden appearances. I was on the edge of my seat, half expecting them to accuse her of witchcraft! Instead, they were more accepting than I ever imagined. It's a testament to Butler’s genius—her vivid first-person narration pulls you in so that you feel every moment alongside Dana. Imagine being thrust into the brutal realities of slavery in the Antebellum South, not knowing when or if you'd return to your own time. What would you confront? What choices would you make? The suspense kept me glued to my headphones! Butler's storytelling isn’t just powerful; it's a necessary reflection on how trauma resonates through generations. Each chapter offers a poignant glimpse into how our past can shape our present. Kindred is not just a narrative; it's a challenging exploration of identity, resilience, and the scars—both visible and invisible—that we carry with us. Trust me, you'll find yourself asking: what if you had to confront your history head-on? Prepare yourself for a read that lingers in your mind long after the last words have faded. It's an amazing journey you won't want to miss!

I didn’t care for the ending and I felt it didn’t explain enough. Why did she end up with her arm in the wall? What was the point? I feel like it dragged on towards The end without resolution or explanation.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5 Book Stars

Aside from how the time traveling mechanism wasn't properly explained in the book (although I read it more as speculative fiction/magical realism rather than sci-fi, which is its usual classification) and the prose being humble, it is one of my favourite reads of this year !!