106 pages • 3 hours read
Oryx and Crake
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Book Brief
389
Novel • Fiction
Futuristic North America • Near-future
2003
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Oryx and Crake alternates between the present and past, following Snowman, formerly named Jimmy, as he navigates a world devastated by biotechnology gone awry. Snowman recalls his friendship with Crake, a brilliant scientist, and their mutual fascination with a woman named Oryx. Crake's utopian vision leads to the creation of the Crakers and a catastrophic event that leaves Snowman to guide these engineered beings. Extreme genetic engineering, child exploitation, and themes of human extinction are present.
Mysterious
Dark
Reviews & Readership
285,610 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Margaret Atwood's Oryx and Crake impresses with its vivid dystopian vision and provocative themes of genetic engineering and corporate greed. Critics laud Atwood's world-building and taut narrative, yet some feel the character development is lacking and the plot overly bleak. Overall, it’s hailed as a gripping exploration of ethical dilemmas in science and society.
Who Should Read Oryx and Crake?
Readers who enjoy dystopian and speculative fiction, rich in moral complexity and scientific intrigue, will find Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood captivating. Fans of 1984, Brave New World, and The Road will appreciate its exploration of genetic engineering, the destruction of civilization, and ethical dilemmas amid a gripping narrative.
285,610 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Glenn/Crake
Glenn/Crake
Crake is a brilliant scientist and strategist known for his logical disposition, whose long-term plans dramatically influence the world around him.
Oryx
Oryx
Oryx is a mysterious woman with a complex past and an entrancing presence, involved with both Jimmy and Crake at different points in the narrative.
The Children of Crake
The Children of Crake
These are genetically engineered beings crafted by Crake, embodying specific physical and behavioral traits designed to create a harmonious existence.
Jimmy’s Parents
Jimmy’s Parents
Jimmy's parents are both associated with OrganInc, grappling with ethical dilemmas and personal conflicts that deeply impact Jimmy's upbringing.
Ramona
Ramona
A colleague and later romantic partner of Jimmy’s father, Ramona is a practical woman involved in life at OrganInc and tries to connect with Jimmy.
The Survivors
The Survivors
At the end of the novel, these individuals represent the potential for a new human connection in a changed world, causing Snowman to grapple with uncertainty and hope.
389
Novel • Fiction
Futuristic North America • Near-future
2003
Adult
18+ years
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