Science fiction · Historical
Kindred
A young Black writer in 1970s California is pulled back in time to a Maryland plantation. There she repeatedly saves the life of a white boy who will grow up to be her ancestor, and the visits grow longer and more dangerous.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1979
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 288
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you want a gripping, unflinching novel that uses time travel to make history feel personal.
Skip this if you want to avoid detailed depictions of slavery, including whipping and sexual violence.
The feel
Content warnings
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about Kindred
- What is Kindred about?
- A young Black writer in 1970s California is pulled back in time to a Maryland plantation. There she repeatedly saves the life of a white boy who will grow up to be her ancestor, and the visits grow longer and more dangerous.
- Who should read Kindred?
- Read it if you want a gripping, unflinching novel that uses time travel to make history feel personal. Skip it if you want to avoid detailed depictions of slavery, including whipping and sexual violence.
- How long and how fast is Kindred?
- It is a fast-paced, short read of about 288 pages, first published in 1979.
- Does Kindred have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Slavery, Racism, Violence, Sexual assault, Abuse.
- Can I borrow Kindred for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Kindred; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Kindred?
- Readers who liked it often move on to Beloved, Parable of the Sower.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Bookshop.org | Check price | Buy new from Bookshop.org |
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Libro.fm | Check price | Buy audiobook from Libro.fm |
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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