I definitely seem to be in the minority here, but while I did enjoy the book and finished it very quickly, unfortunately I do not see why it’s hailed as a masterpiece.
– the prose is overly simple, too simple to really do justice to the horror of slavery and how Dana would feel being forced to live it, particularly the emotions that must have come with having to pretend her white husband is her master for 2 months
– whilst I didn’t need a full explanation for the time travel I thought there’d be some sort of pay off or consequences
– I didn’t really understand the point of the novel. Was it just to show how easily Dana accepted being a slave in order to save her own life? If that’s the case then I don’t think she did really, she knew she was going to return home each time, she didn’t get treated like the rest of the slaves, she didn’t allow Rufus to treat that way
– I think Butler missed a trick with Kevin. She could have shown how easily well intentioned white people also accepted slavery and had his attitudes changed, even if slightly. Perhaps he subconsciously thinks he’s better than Dana when he comes back or she finds out he’s participated in slavery somehow to survive
– while Rufus being attracted to Dana was creepy enough, no acknowledgement of the fact he’s her great great great grandfather?
– the relationship between Dana and Alice wasn’t shown enough. Sarah says they’re like sisters and Rufus says they’re one half of the same woman but that didn’t come across through the writing at all
– none of the people in the past asked Dana any questions about the future? Really?
Anyone feel the same?
by ThePinkDread