Ammonite

By: Nicola Griffith

Narrated by: Gabra Zackman

Length: 13 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

Change or die: the only options available on the Durallium Company-owned planet GP.

The planet's deadly virus had killed most of the original colonists - and changed the rest irrevocably. Centuries after the colony had lost touch with the rest of humanity, the Company returned to exploit GP, and its forces found themselves fighting for their lives. Afraid of spreading the virus, the Company had left its remaining employees in place, afraid and isolated from the natives.

Then anthropologist Marghe Taishan arrived on GP, sent to test a new vaccine against the virus. As she risked death to uncover the natives' biological secret, she found that she, too, was changing, and realized that not only had she found a home on GP - she herself carried the seeds of its destruction...

©2002 Nicola Griffith (P)2020 Tantor

Going native among feral Amazonians

Nicola Griffith's Ammonite is a tale of planetary colonization with a twist. The planet GP was originally colonized centuries in the past but lost contact with Earth. The story begins after its rediscovery by a 'sinister' company only to learn that an endemic viral disease kills 100% of men and 80% of women. More surprising is that female descendants still survive without any explanation. The survey group now consisting only of women has been quarantined. An anthropologist arrives to study the indigenous population as well as test a new vaccine for the disease. She travels about and eventually goes native with several harrowing experiences and finally learns the 'secret' of single sex species.

While there's much to recommend in the sci-fi elements, there are also glaring discrepancies. Given the assumed span of time (at least a century or two for the development of interstellar travel) and then what can only be assumed as at least 3 - 5 centuries of separation between the original colonization and the present day in the tale, it would seem that knowledge of immunology had also devolved over that time. Taking daily or even daily pills is not a vaccine, but rather a prophylaxis treatment. And while there is some mention of T cell epitopes, the idea of testing a vaccine with one individual is pretty ridiculous. As for the devolved humans, the variety of cultures from polytheistic to reasonable was a welcome occurrence. On the other hand, while English as a language survived, the written word was entirely lost without explanation. Finally, providing a viral etiology for mentally focused genetic engineering as well as faculties more akin to fantasy tales with liberal use of hallucinogens was a stretch. Lastly, the portrayal of the company as sinister and evil was without any background or context.

The narration was well done with good character distinction and pacing aligned with the plot.

Excellent & Engaging

It’s clear that NG is very interested in deep world building, with characters that the reader experiences as whole people. Reading this book gave me such insight into her as a writer, but too, it stands alone as an entire creation into itself. Selfishly, I would love a sequel—but I am also left satisfied.

Stunningly refreshing

I had no expectations when I started this book, but it grabbed me and brought me on a unique, surprisingly comfortable journey. I w ok t spoil it, but I do recommend it.

Better then I first thought!

This book was very interesting, it made you think about a lot regarding humans and what it is to be a woman & a different way of life. The author did a great job explaining all the different ideas and made you really see a clear picture of what they were going through. I really enjoyed this book! It was a great unexpected find!

Echoes of Ursula K. Le Guin, Clarke, C.J. Cherryh

This was a thought-provoking, philosophical tale of courage and aching, bleak beauty. Marg is a compelling character, insightful and with a rock-hard dignity that drives this tale of a world both like and unlike Earth. Griffith delicately balances the anthropological observation with a deeply personal and harrowing tale of a woman in search of herself. At times I would have sworn I was listening to/reading some of the best work of Cherryh, Clarke, and Le Guin. Well deserving of all the accolades. The reading and voice acting of the audio version was superb and nuanced.

Soulful, stirring and deeply engaging

I don’t see this book featured on many “top sci fi” lists, but I truly feel it deserves a place.

pretty good for the 1990s

It was nice to listen to a serious lesbian book without stupid erotica thrown in. And the premise is very good.
It's very good for a book from the 1990s! The narrators voice is beautiful and suits the novel very much.

highly reccomend

this book is fantastic in so many ways. I cant even begin to explain it properly. definitely worth a read

great social sf

A great work of social SF, up there with LeGuin and Tepper. highly recommended to fans of the above.

So happy someone suggested this

I agree with another reviewer this is up there with LeGuin. I gobbled this up, it’s thought provoking, still thinking about the book days later. It’s not a typical SciFi, there’s little tech, it mostly takes place in a primitive setting, but the way the author describes the struggle to survive is chef’s kiss. I’m already looking to read her other books.