Oryx And Crake

I first read this book at university as part of a 3rd year 'Science in Fiction' module. I originally had no intention to read it as I decided to focus my thoughts and attention to the representation of robots in this genre. However, as I had a copy to hand, and a 'free' day, I decided to give it a go. Wow. I devoured this book in less than I day. My best friend and I set up camp in the library each with our own copies and happily spent our time in dystopian/post-apocalyptic Earth. What Maragret Atwood excels in is speculative fiction; worlds not too fantastical as so not become reality. By examining current trends in both science, politics and society, she is able to create all-too believable futures that may very well come to pass. 'Oryx and Crake' is a superb example of this. Genetic mutation, corporate dominance, scientific meddling, class warfare and rampant consumerism play a central role in what essentially becomes the destruction of the human race and the planet as we know it. Is Atwood warning us? Perhaps so, and it is a message we should all heed. Hugely recommended.