Anna S. (annapi) reviewed on 1/2/2010 + 334 more book reviews

Ever since Octavia Butler died in 2006, I have been meaning to read her work but have never gotten around to it till now. I'm sorry I waited so long - this is a marvelous masterpiece, one that does not suffer the years for being written in the 70's but is still fresh and relevant today. I picked up the book this morning to start it, and could not put it down until I had finished it this afternoon. Dana Franklin, a young black woman, is suddenly an inexplicably transported from California in 1976 to the antebellum South around 1812, where she saves a young boy from drowning. Just as quickly she finds herself back in her own time. Thus begins a series of time travel episodes that take her back to the life of her ancestor, with whom she appears to have a strange connection that pulls her back whenever his life is in danger, and only sends her home when hers is. It's a fascinating, engrossing and painful tale to read, as Dana is forced to learn to live as a slave in order to survive. I'm surprised it's not a must-read for American high school students, and it's earned a spot on my all-time favorites list.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details