The Three Californias Trilogy

by Kim Stanley Robinson
The Three Californias Trilogy cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Technical
  • ID: 5029
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu · Unknown · 2025-10-22
intriguing 3.50

The reviewer enjoyed MaddAddam and the other two books in the trilogy, finding them intriguing and often great fun. However, they noted that the plot is not particularly original, drawing comparisons to other post-apocalyptic stories and films. The reviewer appreciated the complexity, tough-minded satire, and strangeness of the books, but felt that Atwood did not fully capitalize on the advantages of the science fiction genre.

The reviewer thoroughly enjoyed MaddAddam and the other two books in the trilogy, finding them to be a wild ride with a complex and tough-minded satire. The books are set in a dystopian world that is seen in flashback, and the plot is not particularly original, drawing comparisons to other post-apocalyptic stories and films. The reviewer appreciated the strangeness of the books, but felt that Atwood did not fully capitalize on the advantages of the science fiction genre, such as its ingenuity and fast-moving plots. The reviewer also noted that the books present an eccentric spectacle of a fierce, learned intelligence throwing out references to Robinson Crusoe, Blake, and especially Milton, while writing what is essentially an epic B-movie.

Quick quotes

    The dystopian world that existed before the pandemic is seen in flashback: a nightmare of all-controlling corporations, out-of-control scientific innovations, ecological catastrophe and social breakdown which is equally familiar, from the likes of Blade Runner, Minority Report, The Hunger Games and countless others.

    It is regarded as a form of bigotry nowadays to disparage SF, but there are clear reasons why many people don't get on with it.

    MaddAddam is slightly crazed, usually intriguing and often great fun.

app.thestorygraph.com · Unknown · 2025-10-22
brilliant 5.00

The reviewer initially struggled with Margaret Atwood's Maddaddam trilogy but eventually loved it after reading all three books back-to-back. They praised the complex characters, ethical questions, and Atwood's writing skill, giving it a perfect rating.

The reviewer initially had a hard time getting into the Maddaddam trilogy, having just read A Handmaid's Tale and struggling with the new dystopian world presented in Oryx and Crake. They found it confusing and initially resisted reading the subsequent books. However, after hearing positive feedback from friends and attending a talk by Atwood, they decided to give the trilogy a chance by reading all three books consecutively. This time, they loved it. The reviewer appreciated the complex characters, the ethical questions raised, and Atwood's skill in creating a believable world. They particularly enjoyed The Year of the Flood and found the ending of Maddaddam satisfying, though they wished there were more books in the series.

Quick quotes

    I very nearly was unable to review Margaret Atwood’s Maddaddam trilogy, by not finishing it.

    The books flit backwards and forwards in time, introducing characters briefly, then later delving into their backstory, their complex motivations, relationships, and affiliations.

    Atwood’s writing skill is spectacular.

altaonline.com · Unknown · 2022-05-16
masterful 4.50

The MaddAddam Trilogy is a masterful exploration of a dystopian future, blending adventure, humor, romance, and superb storytelling. Atwood's sharp wit and dark humor make the world feel both imaginative and eerily believable.

The MaddAddam Trilogy by Margaret Atwood is a compelling and prescient series that delves into a world devastated by genetic engineering and a widespread plague. The trilogy is so utterly compelling that it may change the reader's view of the world. Atwood's writing is sharp and word-smart, balancing funny and frightening realism to create perfect satire. The characters are well-developed, with Ren and Toby standing out as particularly interesting. The series captures the strain and anxiety of the moment, presenting climate change and corporate corruption in a way that feels all too real. The trilogy is a moving and dramatic conclusion to a celebrated dystopian series.

Quick quotes

    Watch out for art, Crake used to say. As soon as they start doing art, we're in trouble. Symbolic thinking of any kind would signal downfall, in Crake's view. Next they'd be inventing idols, and funerals, and grave goods, and the afterlife, and sin, and Linear B, and kings, and then slavery and war.

    We're using up the Earth. It's almost gone. You can't live with such fears and keep on whistling. The waiting builds up in you like a tide. You start wanting it to be done with. You find yourself saying to the sky, Just do it. Do your worst. Get it over with. She could feel the coming tremor of it running through her spine, asleep or awake. It never went away...

    Atwood is nothing short of masterful.

thecityoflostbooks.glasgow.ac.uk · Unknown · 2021-10-17
great 4.00

Wayne McGregor's adaptation of Margaret Atwood's MaddAddam trilogy is an ambitious and beautiful ballet, though it has some flaws. The performances are incredible, and the choreography is both inspired and challenging, making it a complex and engaging experience.

Wayne McGregor's take on Margaret Atwood's MaddAddam trilogy is a colossal challenge, but he revels in a big vision. The ballet is epic, ambitious, and often beautiful, though it has some parts that are wanting. The performances by the dancers are incredible, and the choreography is both inspired and challenging. The first act sets the stage with a post-apocalyptic world, while the second act rewinds and fast-forwards through various characters and events. The final act projects into a speculative future, which is cleverly done but a lot to digest in real time. Overall, the ballet is trying to do so much, and while it enthralls in the moment, it leaves a flicker of unfulfillment. The dancers are impeccable, and the choreography is thrilling, making it a complex and engaging experience.

Quick quotes

    Wayne McGregor’s take on the novelist’s complex tale is ambitious, beautiful and, though wanting in some parts, redeemed by incredible performances.

    McGregor (with dramaturg Uzma Hameed) is never interested in just rehashing a story across three acts.

    This is a ballet that is trying to do so much. You applaud its wild aspiration, it enthrals in the moment, but it leaves a flicker of unfulfillment, because its creators are only human after all.

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