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A review by jcqscottclifford
Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
In Oryx and Crake, Atwood presents an intriguing and broken world whose roots you slowly discover as its principal character recounts his personal history. There are many clever links readers will quickly pick up on, and her prose is well thought out. The fall of Oryx and Crake's world is different than other dystopias and
its discussion of bioethics, animal gene splicing, and human gene splicing ring true even 20 years later.
However, her characters can become boring and a slog, especially when they explicitly wax about the morals the book presents. The most difficult part is
hearing about Jimmy's past, especially his difficulty with women, when I really wanted to see more of the present self wgise. , but the end retroactively makes those parts more bearable and lets the reader feel like it wasn't worthless. Additionally, the creativity of
the Crakers and the gene spliced animals are a delight to behold, and they are present all throughout the book
However, her characters can become boring and a slog, especially when they explicitly wax about the morals the book presents. The most difficult part is
It isn't a "fun" book, but it is thought provoking and engaging. Ultimately, I finished the book and am curious how the series plays out.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Body horror, Child abuse, Trafficking, and War
Even the world of flashbacks in this book is messy and cruel. There is the mention of child porn but without any description of rape/sexual interaction.