Is it possible to read Oryx and Crake and be happy?

29 replies

choosyfloosy · 13/10/2009 23:57

I've read the first few pages of Oryx and Crake and it's v good, but is it the sort of book that stays with you for the rest of your life in a draining-the-life-out-of-you sort of way?

I'm definitely never going to read The Road, and it took me 20 years to get around to On The Beach - I'm not sure I'm mentally strong enough for post-apocalyptic literature.

Saw When The Wind Blows in the CHILDREN'S section of the library the other day. WTF?

OP posts:

MadBadandDangerousToKnow · 14/10/2009 19:31

I love Ms Atwood and all her works (although I haven't read them all)!

I loved Oryx and Crake - it seemed to deal with the same issues as Cloud Atlas, which was having its 15 minutes of fame at the time, but was far better written and far more compelling. I can't say, though, that it still haunts me. But then, nor does The Road. I don't retain the detail of what I read, I guess, just an impression or mood.

MinkyBorage · 14/10/2009 19:23

I love Ms Atwood!! The Blind Assassin is brilliant, and I also enjoyed the handmaids tale. What is WTWB? I'm guessing I should know this, but tbh, I don't even know if I can read anymore. Hoping brain will re-engage soon!
Think op was talking about On The Beach and not The Beach

janeite · 14/10/2009 18:28

No - and if you've read The Handmaid's Tale is probably not really worth bothering much as it really doesn't add much to the post-apocalyptic idea. Tbh it hasn't stayed with me and I was just a bit bored and frustrated by the end of it. Ditto The Road. WTWB is bloody brilliant though. I've not read The Beach.

What about On The Beach by Neville Shute? Or Brother In The Land by Robert Swindells? Both v good but perhaps not trying so hard to be 'great literature' as Ms Atwood is.

MinkyBorage · 14/10/2009 00:02

no, and I really know what you mean but it's a brilliant book and worth reading even though it stays with you

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