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Book Review: Kindred - Octavia Butler
This is one of those reads that genuinely makes me so grateful for this wholesome corner of the Internet, because without it, I would never have known about this book and in turn, picked it up 😭
Synopsis:
Kindred follows the lives of Dana and Rufus, related by blood but separated by decades. Rufus, who is white, exists in the 19th century as a plantation owner, whilst Dana, a black woman, exists in the 20th century as a writer. And whenever Rufus' life is in danger, Dana is transported back in time to save him, whether she likes it or not.
My thoughts:
The premise of this book had me hooked straight away. It covers such heavy themes, exploring slavery in America and the absolutely horrific abuses and degradation it faciliated. Not a light read but a necessary one nonetheless.
I found Rufus’ character interesting to read about. Whilst absolutely a vile human being and a product of his time, there were moments in the book that made you think that deep down, he knew his actions were wrong, that an inate instinct of knowing right from wrong was there, suppressed, but there. And as soon we got a glimpse of that, his cruelty would return tenfold.
Overall, this book is your daily reminder that for all of America’s pontificating to the rest of the world on freedom, civility and as the bastions of progress; America was built on slavery, genocide and unimaginable cruelty, sentiments that dictate how it operates to this day.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
