Octavia Butler's groundbreaking novel follows Dana, a Black woman living in 1970s California who is inexplicably transported back to a pre-Civil War Maryland plantation. Forced to navigate the brutal realities of slavery to ensure her own survival, Dana confronts the horrifying legacy of American slavery while grappling with questions of identity, power, and the complex connections between past and present. A powerful blend of science fiction, historical fiction, and social commentary that remains urgently relevant.

WHY WE PICKED IT: Because Butler doesn't just write about history—she forces readers to viscerally experience it. Kindred is a profound exploration of how the past continues to shape the present, challenging readers to confront the ongoing impact of slavery and systemic racism with unflinching honesty.

DETAILS: • Author: Octavia Butler • Publisher: Beacon Press • Format: Paperback • Publication Date: February 1, 2004 • Edition: Anniversary Edition • ISBN: 9780807083697

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