Octavia E. Butler (1947 – 2006) was an American author of speculative, dystopian, and science fiction. In the white male-dominated field of science fiction, she broke ground as a Black woman writer in the genre. Following is a selection of quotes from Kindred, showcasing Octavia Butler’s keen observations of human nature.

After publishing some short stories, Octavia Butler’s first novel was Patternmaster (1976). It was the first in what would become a four-volume series. But it was Kindred (1979) that placed Octavia Butler firmly on the literary map.

The novel’s protagonist is Dana, a contemporary African-American woman who travels back in time to save an ancestor who happens to be a white slave owner. By saving him in his time, she ensures her own survival in the future. Read More→