Kindred by Octavia Butler

Kindred was chosen by the Whiteford book group for their November 2006 discussion. It was published over 25 years ago and it has become a sort of modern classic. It has been published by Beacon Press in their Black Women Writers series, is recommended on reading lists, and is still very much in demand.

Don't let Kindred's classic status put you off - it's a fast read! Kindred is a book that I would recommend for all sorts of reasons. When I read it several years ago I found I could not put it down because I was so absorbed in the story and by the characters. Dana, a young black woman of the late twentieth century finds herself repeatedly transported through time and space to an antebellum Southern plantation. There she must make sure that Rufus, the plantation owner's son, survives to father Dana's ancestor. I would be interested to hear what other readers make of the plot, and of the premise of time travel.

The whole book is multi-layered. Complex and difficult issues are explored, such as the effect of slavery on individuals. I felt that these issues were handled very sensitively.

The book has proved to have appeal to a wide audience, black and white, adults and older teens. Not only is it a "good" book - it's a pleasure to read!