Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood

Haunting visions of a genetically engineered future collide with a poignant tale of survival in this dystopian masterpiece."

Summary

Oryx and Crake, published in 2003, is an acclaimed work of speculative fiction by internationally bestselling Canadian author Margaret Atwood. The first book in the MaddAddam trilogy, it presents a chilling vision of a postapocalyptic future ravaged by genetic engineering gone awry. Set in a world dominated by powerful corporations, the story follows a character called “Snowman” as he struggles to survive in the aftermath of a global pandemic. Oryx and Crake was shortlisted for the prestigious Man Booker Prize and Orange Prize for Fiction.

Plot

Oryx and Crake tells the story of Snowman, formerly known as Jimmy, who may be the last human survivor in a postapocalyptic world. The novel alternates between Snowman's present-day struggle to survive and flashbacks to his past. In the present, Snowman lives near a group of genetically engineered, peaceful humanoids called Crakers. He decides to journey to a nearby compound in search of supplies, despite the dangers posed by aggressive hybrid animals.

In the flashbacks, we learn about Jimmy's childhood in a world dominated by powerful corporations. He befriends a brilliant student named Glenn, who later adopts the name Crake. Crake grows up to become a top scientist at a biotech company, while Jimmy goes on to work in advertising. Crake secretly develops two projects—the Crakers, designed as an improved version of humans, and BlyssPluss, a pill that promises health and happiness but actually causes mass sterilization. Crake also hires a woman named Oryx, with whom both he and Jimmy become romantically involved.

The story culminates in a global pandemic, intentionally caused by Crake through the BlyssPluss pill, which wipes out most of humanity. In the ensuing chaos, Crake kills Oryx, and Jimmy shoots Crake in retaliation. The novel ends with Jimmy/Snowman discovering evidence of other human survivors and debating whether to approach them, leaving the outcome uncertain.