Review by
This is the prequel to Atwood's 'Oryx and Crake', a post apocalyptic take on the future.
Atwood employs a flashback chapter technique for the character development. I felt there wasn't enough difference in the character's dialogue and thoughts and had to keep checking the chapter title as to keep it straight. Page after page was devoted to the character's background and experiences, but then it seemed to be squandered when nothing became of it.
While I find the writing style not entirely disagreeable, I feel Ms. Atwood needs an editor. The long passages of scriptures and prayer were initially interesting, put became a bore later on, and added little. The novel also lacked much in the way of dramatic tension, and seemed to plod along to a rather disappointing finale.
I'd hardly call this a "hard to put down page turner", and I had to force myself to finish reading it.
Cormac McCarthy's "The Road" is a much better choice if you are in a "post-apocalyptic" mood.