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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
challenging
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
First read in 2012: The sequel to Oryx & Crake; the same period of time (roughly) told from the perspective of other characters during the same cataclysm. It's a little jumpier as it switches perspectives between Toby and Ren, but it fleshes out the world nicely and I look forward to seeing how it all ends.
Reread in 2015:
Reread in 2015:
A Strong Sequel That Deepens the MaddAddam World
This second installment in the MaddAddam trilogy is compelling, thanks in large part to its vividly drawn protagonists, Ren and Toby—two strong female characters who each draw strength from very different sources. Their distinct voices anchor the narrative and offer fresh perspectives on a world already sketched in Oryx and Crake.
While the first book was more challenging to enter—dense with world-building and layered concepts—The Year of the Flood benefits from that foundation, allowing the story to shine with clarity and confidence. It masterfully retells parts of the original narrative while feeling entirely new. The points where the plotlines intersect offer a satisfying sense of continuity, weaving familiar lore into a richer, more nuanced tapestry.
Atwood continues to position her dystopia as a stark warning—an unsettling glimpse into what humanity could become if we fail to wield our knowledge responsibly. This novel not only expands the universe but also deepens its moral and philosophical questions.
This second installment in the MaddAddam trilogy is compelling, thanks in large part to its vividly drawn protagonists, Ren and Toby—two strong female characters who each draw strength from very different sources. Their distinct voices anchor the narrative and offer fresh perspectives on a world already sketched in Oryx and Crake.
While the first book was more challenging to enter—dense with world-building and layered concepts—The Year of the Flood benefits from that foundation, allowing the story to shine with clarity and confidence. It masterfully retells parts of the original narrative while feeling entirely new. The points where the plotlines intersect offer a satisfying sense of continuity, weaving familiar lore into a richer, more nuanced tapestry.
Atwood continues to position her dystopia as a stark warning—an unsettling glimpse into what humanity could become if we fail to wield our knowledge responsibly. This novel not only expands the universe but also deepens its moral and philosophical questions.
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
fast-paced
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Full review to come after I've read Oryx and Crake, since I've decided to read these out of order. Not sure I'm a fan of the story yet, but I did end up quite liking the characters and the world of this series. Plus, Atwood's writing is just so masterful that reading some lines often feels like a punch to the throat.
Now this is how you write a sequel! I usually hate sequels because the second book is usually too much of a repeat of the first. This was a look at a completely different group of people. Once again I’m am in awe of Atwood’s creativity. I loved the stories of Toby and Ren. The tie in to the first book is great also. Personally the most tedious part for me were the sermons. I get they tie the story together but I found them a little redundant.
challenging
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No