Kindred (novel)
Overview
Kindred is a novel written by American author Octavia Butler. Published in 1979, the book is a combination of slave memoir, fantasy, and historical fiction. It is set in 1976 and in the antebellum South, as it involves time travel.
Plot
The story revolves around a black woman named Dana, who is living in Los Angeles, California in 1976 with her white husband, Kevin. On her 26th birthday, Dana is suddenly pulled back in time to a plantation in Maryland. Here, she saves a white boy named Rufus from drowning. After this, she is transported back to her own time, but this is just the first of many such time-travel episodes.
The connection between Dana and Rufus is a complex one. Dana realizes that Rufus is her ancestor, and she must save him to ensure her own existence. Each time Rufus is in mortal danger, Dana is pulled back to save him. The time she spends in the past varies, and as Rufus grows older, he becomes more difficult to manage.
Themes
Kindred explores various themes, including the exploration of the dynamics and dilemmas of antebellum slavery from the perspective of a 20th-century person. The novel also explores the idea of complicity, power dynamics, and the complexities of interracial relationships.
Reception
Upon its release, Kindred was well-received and has since become a cornerstone of American literature. It is widely taught in literature and African-American studies courses. Despite its historical context, the novel remains relevant today, as it addresses the enduring issues of racial inequality and injustice.
Legacy
Kindred has left a significant legacy and has inspired a number of adaptations and responses, including a graphic novel version published in 2017. It continues to be a significant work in the canon of African American literature.