Book 90: The Year of the Flood

This is Margaret Atwood's sequel to Oryx and Crake. It takes place concurrently with Oryx and Crake, and is told from the points of view of two women. Both women were one-time reluctant members of a religious cult that believed in vegetarianism and protecting animals from extinction (how extreme!). They also dress very modestly and don't believe in using cell phones and other technology (how horrible!).

Both women survive a major man-made plague and then deal with the aftermath. All lone survivors believe they could be the last people on earth. Is there a reason to live, then? If so, what is it?

Again, we wonder about whether or not humanity deserves to survive, and if we can and should be forgiven for our destructive behavior and greed. Again, we consider love and friendship and loyalty.

One of my favorite moments is when a cultist prays for strength from the spirits of the Wolf, the Leopard, and the bio-engineered Liobam, a Lion-Lamb cross meant to somehow appease contrary religious groups. The cultists don't approve of creating weird combo-animals. Still, the Liobam looks harmless, but is quite an effective hunter, so her choice is logical, as she plans to hunt.

I really enjoyed returning to this world, but there were maybe a few too many coincidences. Still, I was impressed at how she wove this story together with Oryx and Crake. She just could have let a few more characters die in the plague.