Reviews

Oh, this was really good. The style of writing is similar to Oryx & Crake: there are two POVs that Atwood alternatives between and she plays around with non-linear storytelling. What's new is Adam One's "sermons" that are written out and accompanied by the hymns sung in the end of each sermon. I've got to say these didn't always catch my fancy, I found that they disrupted the flow of the story even though they did provide insight to the Gardener philosophy and religion. Speaking of which, the Gardeners give the reader another perspective on the environmental debate that was introduced in Oryx & Crake. I thought it was interesting to see how they meshed together traditional Christian (and I assume Abrahamic) faith and belief with a scientific perspective and belief, trying to reconcile the holes and problems that science finds in the religion(s), but it was interesting that Atwood decided to make a U-turn on religion's significance if one considers Crake's belief that religion is useless.

Other interesting themes: sex (sexual liberation/experimentation, relationships etc); female friendship and companionship; identity; following rules prescribed by a faith; conflict between morals and survival.

jendilemma's review against another edition

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5.0

I vaguely remember struggling with Oryx & Crake years ago, but I really liked this book, so I'll have to reread O&C. Sinking into an Atwood book is so comforting and strange to me, like a terrifying lullaby, and she does dreamlike dystopian near-future so well.

hulahoopes's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

katieisob3l's review against another edition

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challenging mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

jeanna44's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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