Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
Reviewed by: Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist
Genre: Science Fiction
Suggested Age: Adults
What is the book about?: Oryx and Crake is a dystopian novel told from the perspective of Snowman, who may be the last man left on Earth to survive a deadly epidemic or “Waterless Flood.” We see how Snowman survives by scavenging for food and finding temporary shelter in abandoned buildings. The narrative shifts back and forth from past to present so that the reader gets some background about Snowman, formerly known as Jimmy, and what happened before the outbreak. In the 2020s, corporations controlled the world and genetic engineering had run rampant. Genetic hybrids such as pigoons, rakunks, and liobams have been created in labs and now run free in the empty cities. Joining them are new humanoid creatures known as the Crakers. These were created to be superior to humans. Devoid of emotions such as jealousy and greed, the Crakers are physically flawless and look to Snowman as a godlike leader and teacher. Snowman spends his days in the post-apocalyptic city trying to survive and thinking about his once girlfriend, the beautiful Oryx as well as his best friend, Crake.
My Review: Oryx and Crake has been on my reading list for several years. After reading The Handmaid’s Tale in my early twenties, I knew I had to try more of Margaret Atwood’s novels. There has actually been quite a resurgence of interest in her books due to the popularity that accompanied the Hulu adaptation of The Handmaid’s Tale last year. This novel’s writing style is at times grim, mournful, as well as darkly humorous. In the post-apocalyptic timeline, Snowman seems somewhat like distant character and it was hard for me to like him. But, the flashbacks work to provide more characterization which I appreciated. It would have been nice to get the perspective of other characters, but Atwood actually provides this with the second novel in this series called The Year of the Flood. When I began reading I thought I would not be able to easily visualize such a strange landscape, but Atwood does an excellent job with description and visualization. Though the idea of Oryx and Crake seemed very strange and alien at first, I realized that it could be our not too distant future.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Weird, Futuristic, Disturbing
Give This a Try if You Like… Dystopian novels, Octavia Butler, Ursula Le Guin
Rating: 5/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!