Humanity has been devastated by a virus and Snowman, formerly known as Jimmy, is perhaps the only human to have survived, for all he knows. With him are his friend Crake’s perfect creations, people genetically modified to become more perfect than ordinary human beings. They have better ways of sustaining themselves, go into heat like animals to avoid difficult romantic situations, and can even purr to heal injuries. Snowman, however, is having a much more difficult time surviving, and juxtaposes his struggle to find more food with his personal history, his love affair with Oryx, and how he found himself to be alone.
This is only my second Margaret Atwood novel, and after loving The Handmaid’s Tale, I’m really wondering why it took me so long to read another. I adore dystopias and Atwood has created another intriguing world here, if not quite as plausible. When Jimmy was a child, the Corporations ruled supreme, essentially acting as one big government. The world outside of the Corporations was unimportant, the people only used as test subjects and cash cows as medicines were infused with illnesses to keep the market booming. If any worker betrayed insider secrets, they were killed. This was the world of Jimmy’s childhood, and while he wasn’t brilliant enough for a high position, his best friend Glenn, later known as Crake, certainly was. It is Crake who sets out to change everything and puts in motion the events that destroy the world as everyone knows it.
While I couldn’t say I actually liked any of the characters, which was the book’s weakest point, it was hard for me to tear myself away from this book. I was fascinated by the development of the plot; we know early on that the world has changed drastically, but finding out just how and why was riveting. I didn’t like Jimmy/Snowman all that much, due to his escapades with women and his irritating obsession with Oryx, but I loved the curiosities of his world. His struggle to find more food allows us to relate to him even as we dislike him, but it also serves the purpose of guiding us through more of the world.
For me, the best part was the Crakers, the genetically altered beings that Crake created. What I liked about them was that even though they were modified to escape supposed human foibles, they still exhibited that humanity. This was mainly through their acceptance of a god-like story featuring, as expected, Oryx and Crake. Even though they’re reportedly hard-wired to miss out on all mistakes, they are still people and it’s almost as though we can see their mythology evolving. Snowman doesn’t know how else to explain it to them and they latch on remarkably easily. Fascinating stuff, and that really cemented the entire book for me.
Atwood is a remarkable author. Oryx and Crake* has convinced me that I really need to get reading more of her work. I certainly recommend this, especially to those who enjoy dystopias and science fiction.
*I am an Amazon Associate. I borrowed this book from the library.
Oryx and Crake is one of my least fave Margaret Atwood books. I much prefer her earlier novels, Alias Grace, The Robber Bride and Cats Eye. I love her stories about women, that somehow end up magical and flowing.
Good luck exploring.
Julie Q
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Somehow, I find Margaret Atwood very intimidating. I read “The Blind Assassin” and was left totally scratching my head. I never ventured near another one again.
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My Margaret Atwood books are piling up. I have this one as well as ALIAS GRACE and I have read THE HANDMAID’S TALE. I don’t know why it takes me so long to get back to her books. They are so good. Glad you liked this one.
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The Handmaid’s Tale is my favorite Atwood book, but I would say it is followed by Oryx and Crake (although The Blind Assassin is a close third).
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I haven’t read any of Atwood’s books, but my son tells me that I need to read this one. Great review.
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She really is remarkable! I have no idea why I haven’t read this yet.
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I have only read one Atwood book, and it was The Handmaid’s Tale. I do have this one on my shelf, and after reading your review I realize I need to move it up on the list. I didn’t really know much about it, other than it was dystopian fiction. Great review, I will be trying to read this soon!
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I liked Oryx and Crake, although when I read it, we had rain every day in the afternoon only for a week. Creepy! Like Julie Q and Nicole, I would suggest reading Alias Grace. It is based on a true story and offers one possibility of what events actually transpired.
I really need to read this one, and then Year of the Flood. I have loved what I little I read of Atwood and I can’t wait to read those two. Great review!
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I’ve only read two of Atwood’s book so far, but I really want to read more. I enjoyed both The Handmaid’s Tale and Cat’s Eye even though they are very different. This one has been back on my radar recently because from what I hear, her latest is a sequel to this one. Good to hear you liked it.
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I’ve never read The Handmaid’s Tale, or rather I started it when I was much too young to read something like that. Atwood does seem a wee bit imposing but I think I can squeeze her in eventually.
Great review Meghan.
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It takes a talented author to hook you to a book where you don’t like the characters. I’m definitely going to be reading this one soon.
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