[By Crystal Boson]

As a work of speculative fiction, Kindred takes place both in the past and a present moment. It also explores in this layered setting the strength in which seemingly disenfranchised characters hold against the dominant discourse. The temporal and spatial shifting of the work make it a difficult one to nail down.

The work presents interesting depictions of agency. Dana is not in control of her acts of time travel; she is summoned by some unexplained power of Rufus, and dismissed only by a tremendous fear for her life, created by circumstances beyond her control. Despite her lack of direct control over her temporal jumps, she has both symbolic and overt power over Rufus. Kevin is also vastly dependent upon her, both for his emotional wellbeing and his safe return to his present.
One thought on “Black Speculative Fiction and Octavia Butler”
Stigmata(1998)by Phyllis Alesia Perry is a good novel to compare with Butler's Kindred.
Jerry W. Ward, Jr.
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