Crake and Jimmy grow up in a gated community of the future where science has taken some of today's concepts to the extreme. After high school Crake goes to a super genius college where he learns about secret scientific creations and their potentials eventually determining to put his ideas into reality. Crake introduces Jimmy to his mistress Oryx, a former child prostitute and they become a weird triangle. Eventually a plague wipes out the population except the 'Children of Crake' who are a whole different type of humankind. The story alternates between Jimmy now named Snowman with the Children and flashbacks to how everything got the way it is. This sets the stage for future volumes in the series. I did not like any of the characters so it was hard for me to route for a particular outcome. I will not be reading more of the series. ( )

Snowman fears that he may truly be the last of his kind. As possibly the sole survivor in a post-apocalyptic world, the man formerly known as Jimmy spends his days wandering what remains of civilization while trying to recall his life before the cataclysmic events that forever altered the world. In particular, he relives his deep friendship with the brilliant but troubled Crake as well as his obsession with Oryx, a beautiful young woman who has endured considerable physical and emotional abuse. As corporations gain increasing control of all aspects of human existence, Crake, a scientist by training, creates a genetically engineered race of beings immune from disease and social prejudice in an effort to improve humanity. However, when Snowman discovers that Crake’s ultimate goal is of a far more nefarious nature, that knowledge pits the two friends against each other and sets them on a destructive path that leaves the fate of mankind hanging in the balance.

Oryx and Crake is celebrated author Margaret Atwood’s disturbing creation of a dystopian world focusing on the potential consequences of unchecked scientific advancement and societal decay. As a prime example of what she terms “speculative fiction,” the novel effectively critiques the rampant consumerism, environmental disregard, and erosion of human values that pave the way for a dissolute near-future outcome. The author’s world-building is meticulous and convincing throughout the tale, creating a believable and terrifying vision of a social order gone horribly wrong. The main characters are all well-developed and deeply flawed—as are the genetically modified animal hybrids, such as pigoons, wolvogs, and rakunks—and the action in the story, although slow-paced at times, does move along to logical conclusion that leaves something to the reader’s imagination. This is a thought-provoking and entertaining book that will resonate with anyone seeking a challenging and rewarding reading experience. ( )

Margaret Atwood is amazing and so is this book. It's set in a near future (just like "The Handmaid's Tale"). While THT deals with society, "Orax and Crake" deals with technology and its effects on us, both positive and negative. I really liked the premise and it sure fits in nicely with all the things we've talked about this semester at Bioetics. I was torn between four and five stars, but I really liked the last third of the book. I can't wait to read the sequel.
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As dystopias go, this one felt very real. We obviously haven't reached the point of technological innovation where it could happen (yet), but we've made some baby steps. I did appreciate the old testament references scattered throughout Snowman's interactions with the Crakers. ( )

I wasn't quite sure what to expect - apart from science fiction - but I certainly didn't realise that it would be so dark and violent. I appreciated the structure of flashbacks to alleviate from the harshness of the new reality. It also provided a great way to focus on character development and building some intrigue. I also enjoyed the creativity behind some of the genetic inventions. However, I didn't find the message particularly original nor the recreation of the Christian origin stories. Finally, the anachronism of technologies such as email, CD-ROMs and DVD, is mildly hilarious 20 years later.
I'm glad I read this novel, but I won't be tempted to pursue the trilogy. ( )