Kindred cover art

Kindred

Preview

Audible Standard 1-month free trial

Auto-renews at $8.99/mo + applicable tax after 30-day trial. Cancel Anytime
Try for $0.00
More purchase options

Kindred

Written by: Octavia E. Butler
Narrated by: Kim Staunton
Try for $0.00

$8.99 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $23.18

Buy Now for $23.18

About this listen

The first science-fiction written by a Black woman, Kindred has become a cornerstone of African-American literature. This combination of slave memoir, fantasy, and historical fiction is a novel of rich literary complexity. 

Having just celebrated her 26th birthday in 1976 California, Dana, an African-American woman, is suddenly and inexplicably wrenched through time into antebellum Maryland. After saving a drowning White boy there, she finds herself staring into the barrel of a shotgun and is transported back to the present just in time to save her life. 

During numerous such time-defying episodes with the same young man, she realizes the challenge she's been given: to protect this young slaveholder until he can father her own great-grandmother. 

Author Octavia E. Butler skilfully juxtaposes the serious issues of slavery, human rights, and racial prejudice with an exciting science-fiction, romance, and historical adventure. Kim Staunton's narrative talent magically transforms the listener's earphones into an audio time machine.

Classics Fiction Historical Fiction Science Fiction Time Travel Fantasy Scary

What the critics say

"[Kindred] is a shattering work of art with much to say about love, hate, slavery and racial dilemmas, then and now." (Los Angeles Herald Examiner)

"Truly terrifying." (Essence)

"Butler's literary craftsmanship is superb." (The Washington Post Book World)

Featured Article: 16 of the Best Horror Audiobooks by Authors of Colour You Should Listen To

There is nothing quite like settling in and losing yourself in a chilling horror story. From thrilling science fiction to haunting ghost stories, these audiobooks have everything you could want from horror fiction. We have compiled a list of some of the best horror books from authors of colour that will keep listeners spellbound from beginning to end. Even the drabbest commute or chore will turn into a spooky time with these mesmerizing and expert narrations. So sit back, and be prepared to get hooked on 16 of the best horror audiobooks in our collection.

All stars
Most Relevant
stumbled upon this by chance, drew me in right to the end of the story

loved it

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Slavery is always tough subject matter, but this is definitely a different twist and worth your time.

Great Listen

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

I thoroughly enjoyed Octavia Butler’s novel and found that narrator’s reading of it entirely superb!

Wonderful

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

I enjoyed the book emencely and the narrator was fantastic. I recommend this book.

Great book and narrator

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

I truly enjoyed this book from start to finish! Hated to put it down sorry when it was finished.

All around great story

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

See more reviews