Oryx and Crake

by Margaret Atwood
Oryx and Crake cover
Good Books rating 4.39
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 636
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780748113354
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2009-09-03
  • Formats: 25
  • Reviews: 4

Oryx and Crake is a dystopian novel that explores a world where genetic engineering has run amok, creating bizarre and unsettling creatures. The protagonist, once known as Jimmy, now lives in a tree, wrapped in old bedsheets, and goes by the name Snowman. He is haunted by the voice of Oryx, the woman he loved, and is responsible for the green-eyed Children of Crake, whose origins and purpose remain mysterious. The novel delves into themes of love, loss, and the consequences of unchecked scientific advancement. /n/n The story is narrated through a series of flashbacks and present-day events, revealing the complex relationships and tragic events that led to the current state of the world. Atwood's vivid and imaginative prose brings to life a world that is both fascinating and terrifying, raising questions about the ethical implications of genetic engineering and the nature of humanity.

Reviews
Fantasy Book Review · 2025-12-16
brave 4.65

The book is bravely written with flawed characters that are very real. It's a story about a pandemic that is shocking and thought-provoking.

The reviewer admires the bravery in creating characters that are not likable but very real. They find the story of a pandemic shocking and thought-provoking, especially in light of current events. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the characters and the way the story explores the consequences of scientific advancements. They find the book to be a compelling and timely read.

Quick quotes

    It was a bravely written book in that none of the characters are actually likeable and all are flawed, even by human standards, but very real.

    It's a story about a pandemic that is, if you can believe it, even more shocking than the one we are currently living through.

    Atwood does a fantastic job of making you think about the implications of scientific advancements.

Nusantara Naga · 2021-03-24
intriguing 4.50

The book explores futuristic concepts like genetic modification in a way that feels both plausible and unsettling. The reviewer finds the themes and ideas compelling, even if some aspects are unsettling.

The reviewer is captivated by the book's exploration of futuristic concepts, such as genetic modification, which are presented in a way that feels both plausible and unsettling. They appreciate the depth of the themes and the thought-provoking nature of the narrative. The reviewer notes that the book's ability to depict such advanced ideas makes it a unique and intriguing read. However, they also acknowledge that some of the themes might be disturbing to certain readers, adding to the book's overall impact.

Quick quotes

    Oryx and Crake absolutely depicts things we can't yet do or even begin to do, like the ability to modify human mating behaviour to the degree we see in the her.

    The themes and ideas in this book are compelling and thought-provoking.

    It's a book that stays with you long after you've finished reading.

Madeleine Reads · Madeleine · 2021-01-09
thought-provoking 4.00

The book's exploration of a pandemic is both shocking and thought-provoking. Madeleine found the narrative compelling and timely.

Madeleine was struck by the book's exploration of a pandemic, which she found even more shocking than the current pandemic. She appreciated how the story delves into the consequences of such events on society and individuals. The narrative is compelling and timely, making it a relevant and impactful read. Madeleine also highlighted the book's ability to keep the reader engaged throughout.

Quick quotes

    Oryx and Crake is a story about a pandemic, one that is, if you can believe it, even more shocking than the one we are currently living through.

    The narrative is compelling and timely.

    It's a book that makes you think about the world in a different way.

Efsunland · 2019-08-28
brilliant 4.40

The writing is wonderful despite the grim subject matter. The reviewer gives it a higher score than expected.

The reviewer was surprised by how much they enjoyed the book, given its grim subject matter. They praise the writing as wonderful, which elevates the overall reading experience. The reviewer acknowledges the dark themes but appreciates the quality of the writing, leading to a higher score than initially anticipated.

Quick quotes

    The writing itself is wonderful.

    Grim subject matter aside, there are moments of brilliance.

    A higher score than I expected to give.

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