Recommended by Yuval Weiss.
Oryx and Crake is a dystopian novel by author Margaret Atwood, who also famously wrote The Handmaid’s Tale.
The novel deals with various environmental and ethical issues about genetic modification and is told within two parts.
Half of the story is told by Snowman (full name Abominable Snowman) and his dealings with the Crakers (a genetically engineered humanoid species), and later on we meet Jimmy, who is Snowman’s past self and is also the narrator who explains what happened to Snowman’s obviously dystopian world.
Although essentially having to read this book (English prep), I thoroughly enjoyed it, which surprised me. The seemingly simple plot holds layers upon layers of hidden meanings and messages, which makes every page intriguing to read. The plot’s action is contained within the last chapter with two murders and an important decision, as well as being left on a cliffhanger as to what Snowman chooses. Also, the fact that the ‘enemy’ is unclear in the novel and is only really revealed later on adds a sense of an enigma to the book.
In conclusion, although I enjoyed Oryx and Crake, it is sometimes slow-moving and the subtle plot may not be for everyone, but I would recommend the novel for anyone who is at all interested in the issues raised by genetic modification.
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