The Girl with All the Gifts

by M. R. Carey
The Girl with All the Gifts cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
Technical:
  • ID: 1186
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2025-09-27
  • ISBN: 9780316278140
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2014-06-10
  • Formats: 15
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

The Girl With All the Gifts is a chilling and thought-provoking exploration of humanity, survival, and the bonds that connect us. Set in a world ravaged by a fungal infection that has turned most of humanity into mindless creatures, the story follows Melanie, a special girl who is both feared and revered for her unique abilities. Her daily routine of being strapped into a wheelchair and escorted to class hints at a world where trust is scarce and survival is paramount. /n/n Praised for its heartfelt and remorseless portrayal of human nature, this USA Today bestseller delves into the ethical dilemmas and emotional complexities of a world on the brink. As Melanie's journey unfolds, readers are drawn into a narrative that questions the very essence of what it means to be human.

Reviews
Rosalyn Kelly · Rosalyn Kelly · 2019-08-16
Brilliant 4.50

The book is an intelligent and gripping zombie story with a brilliant ending. It is both exciting and thought-provoking.

Rosalyn Kelly finds the book to be a standout in the zombie genre, offering an intelligent and gripping narrative. She particularly praises the brilliant ending, which adds a layer of complexity to the story. The reviewer appreciates the exciting and thought-provoking elements, making it a compelling read. The character of Melanie is highlighted as a key strength, adding depth and interest to the plot.

Quick quotes

    This is a zombie book that is intelligent, exciting and gripping.

    With a BRILLIANT ending.

    Melanie is in some kind of secure facility being taught about the world.

The Guardian · 2014-01-15
Great 4.00

The story explores themes of parental love and trust between a child and an adult. It is a poignant and thought-provoking narrative.

The reviewer focuses on the emotional core of the story, which revolves around the relationship between a child and an adult figure. They appreciate the exploration of trust and love in a post-apocalyptic setting. The narrative is described as poignant and thought-provoking, offering a fresh perspective on familiar themes. The reviewer values the depth of the characters and the emotional resonance of their journey.

Quick quotes

    It's a parental love story – about a child deprived of parents and an adult who wishes to fulfil that role.

    How they go about learning to trust each other.

    A poignant and thought-provoking narrative.

Goodreads · 2014-01-14
Excellent 5.00

The book features a fascinating pathogen and distinct characters, culminating in an unexpected and awesome ending. It is praised as an excellent read.

The reviewer is captivated by the unique pathogen and the well-drawn characters in the story. They highlight the unexpected and thrilling ending as a standout feature. This book is described as a must-read, earning the reviewer's first 5-star rating of the year. The combination of engaging characters and a compelling narrative makes it a standout in the genre.

Quick quotes

    But with a fascinating pathogen, distinctly drawn characters, and unexpected (and AWESOME) ending of its own.

    First 5 star read of 2014!

    Full of suspense and emotion.

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