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palerider37 's review for:
The Girl With All the Gifts
by M. R. Carey
This is a very clever, very involved story, but at its core, it is pretty much a Zombie story.
Unlike so many Zombie stories though, the focus isn't just on survival, cause, or cure, this book is much deeper, taking the reader through a dark ride of morality and ethics, done so skilfully that half the time, you don’t even realise that the questions have been asked until the answer has just whacked you in the face.
Move over Walking Dead, this should be the show on TV.
The story revolves around 4 main characters, a brilliant, but clinically cold and detached Doctor, who will stop at nothing to reach her goal of finding a cure, Dr Caldwell. A Teacher, who is completely idealistic, with too much heart to be working in this type of program, Miss Justineau. A grizzled Soldier who was a veteran before things went bad, and he is now a veteran of the new world as well, making him totally without mercy, and as with all Soldiers/Police/Emergency Services, suffering from a some form of PTSD.
The main character however is Melanie, a 10yr old girl who is an absolute genius, who loves her school work, loves going to class and her favourite teacher is Miss Justineau. Of course, she is a little confused by the routine each day where she is strapped at gun point into a wheelchair and taken to class. And that every now and then, some of her class mates disappear, never to return.
She also knows that there are these things outside of the place they live called ‘Hungary’s’, that eat people, so they have to staff inside, where it is safe.
This book explores multiple facets of the Universe they live in, looking at the world they have to now survive in, the day to day routine, relationships in this new existence, survival, all the usual things.
Where this is totally different, and what makes this book so different, and so completely brilliant is its exploration of how far is too far in the search for a cure? At what point do we lose our Humanity to save it?
The development of Melanie is truly exceptional and is fascinating to read as she learns about things. I don’t want to give too much away. Her interactions with Miss Justineau are equally brilliant, making for both a thrilling and fascinating read as things unfold and play out. Amongst this are the characters of Caldwell and Sgt Parks. Caldwell is equally riveting as this obsessive genius with a single purpose. Most would consider her evil for her actions, but this is part of the ethical and moral debate – is she? Or is she just trying to do the right thing? Her Character is spectacular. She brings back memories of Dexter, in a totally different context of course, but that type of psychological aspect – cold detachment to get things done that are necessary, but others won't do. Caldwell is one of the most compelling characters in this book.
The other fascinating character is Sgt Parks, with his rigid Military ways, but he is also human. His interactions with the others in the group, and his constant need to please various individuals makes for some interesting scenarios and compelling reading. Again, he is another captivating character.
There are also multiple other minor characters that make appearances in the book that add their own little elements to the book, each creating a lasting memory of not only how utterly brilliant Carey is, but the wonderful impact they have on the story.
This is a book for people from multiple different genres. If you are a Zombie lover, why haven't you read this yet?
But even if you aren’t, for those that love a good thriller, psychological thriller, or just a story with exceptional characters, interactions and dialogue, this has something for everyone and is a must read.
Totally Brilliant!
Unlike so many Zombie stories though, the focus isn't just on survival, cause, or cure, this book is much deeper, taking the reader through a dark ride of morality and ethics, done so skilfully that half the time, you don’t even realise that the questions have been asked until the answer has just whacked you in the face.
Move over Walking Dead, this should be the show on TV.
The story revolves around 4 main characters, a brilliant, but clinically cold and detached Doctor, who will stop at nothing to reach her goal of finding a cure, Dr Caldwell. A Teacher, who is completely idealistic, with too much heart to be working in this type of program, Miss Justineau. A grizzled Soldier who was a veteran before things went bad, and he is now a veteran of the new world as well, making him totally without mercy, and as with all Soldiers/Police/Emergency Services, suffering from a some form of PTSD.
The main character however is Melanie, a 10yr old girl who is an absolute genius, who loves her school work, loves going to class and her favourite teacher is Miss Justineau. Of course, she is a little confused by the routine each day where she is strapped at gun point into a wheelchair and taken to class. And that every now and then, some of her class mates disappear, never to return.
She also knows that there are these things outside of the place they live called ‘Hungary’s’, that eat people, so they have to staff inside, where it is safe.
This book explores multiple facets of the Universe they live in, looking at the world they have to now survive in, the day to day routine, relationships in this new existence, survival, all the usual things.
Where this is totally different, and what makes this book so different, and so completely brilliant is its exploration of how far is too far in the search for a cure? At what point do we lose our Humanity to save it?
The development of Melanie is truly exceptional and is fascinating to read as she learns about things. I don’t want to give too much away. Her interactions with Miss Justineau are equally brilliant, making for both a thrilling and fascinating read as things unfold and play out. Amongst this are the characters of Caldwell and Sgt Parks. Caldwell is equally riveting as this obsessive genius with a single purpose. Most would consider her evil for her actions, but this is part of the ethical and moral debate – is she? Or is she just trying to do the right thing? Her Character is spectacular. She brings back memories of Dexter, in a totally different context of course, but that type of psychological aspect – cold detachment to get things done that are necessary, but others won't do. Caldwell is one of the most compelling characters in this book.
The other fascinating character is Sgt Parks, with his rigid Military ways, but he is also human. His interactions with the others in the group, and his constant need to please various individuals makes for some interesting scenarios and compelling reading. Again, he is another captivating character.
There are also multiple other minor characters that make appearances in the book that add their own little elements to the book, each creating a lasting memory of not only how utterly brilliant Carey is, but the wonderful impact they have on the story.
This is a book for people from multiple different genres. If you are a Zombie lover, why haven't you read this yet?
But even if you aren’t, for those that love a good thriller, psychological thriller, or just a story with exceptional characters, interactions and dialogue, this has something for everyone and is a must read.
Totally Brilliant!