Review: Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood

 

Wow.  Sadly, all too easily seen as actually happening. I do like that about her work. She imagines a dystopian world that you can believe could happen. You hope to hell it won't, but if things go badly, oh yeah.

I listened to the Audio version of this which worked very well since the book is written in first person. The disjointed telling of a story, some of it current time, some of it dreams, some of it memories that come to Snowman as the book progresses is a very effective method and keeps you guessing about what has happened. 

Although you can see the outlines of just how Snowman ended up in his tree quite early on, the details are the arresting feature and oddly compelling. It’s like watching a train wreck or an automobile accident. You want to look away but can’t quite do it.

Certainly a cautionary tale, and one that is all too possible.

I read this for my 12in12 challenge on LibraryThing, category Darwinists.  Also for TIOLI Jan 12 Challenge #6 – Orange Prize shortlist and winners.