A review by mightyfrenchbookworm
Liens de sang by Octavia E. Butler

dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A gripping novel that skillfully blends science fiction and historical drama to offer a profound reflection on slavery, morality, and humanity. The aspect of time travel is what I appreciated the most. The direct confrontation between the past and the present makes the horror of slavery even more striking.
The novel is shocking, not only because of the physical and psychological violence described, but also because of the unsettling ease with which some people accept submission or adapt to the unacceptable to survive. Butler illustrates how the slavery system corrupted minds to the point of normalizing the inhuman and questions this capacity for resignation found in both oppressors and the oppressed.
Moral dilemmas are omnipresent, especially through the complex relationship between Dana and Rufus. Can Rufus be forgiven because he is a product of his time and environment? This question remains unanswered, particularly because Rufus, despite some moments of humanity, often embodies deliberate cruelty. Dana, meanwhile, is constantly torn between what she can accept to survive and what she categorically refuses to endure. This internal struggle, this shifting boundary between adaptation and compromise, adds a captivating psychological dimension to the story.
However, one aspect that I found disappointing is that the family connection between Dana and Rufus is never truly exploited. The fact that Dana chooses never to reveal to Rufus that she is his descendant could have been a source of additional tension or even a possibility for manipulation by Rufus if he had discovered it. This omission leaves a feeling of incompleteness, just like the lack of explanations about what happened to Kevin during the separation from Dana.
Moreover, the theme of the butterfly effect, which could have enriched the plot, is never really addressed. The story’s progression feels unclear at times, with Dana’s repeated trips between the two eras leaving me wondering where the narrative is headed and what the book’s ultimate goals are.  
Despite these flaws, I am giving this book 4 stars because it is a powerful, thought-provoking read that I will continue to reflect on for a long time.