This month’s pick is an excellent science fiction novel, The Girl with All the Gifts by M. R. Carey, which was also adapted last year into a movie starring Glenn Close. Every day, Melanie wakes up in her cell, is strapped into her chair, and wheeled to the classroom by an escort of armed guards. Melanie has never been outside, nor does she remember anything before the underground bunker she lives in – but she has been told about the hungries lurking outside that run down and devour anything human. Joined by her beloved teacher, Ms. Justineau, Melanie will go on a journey of self-discovery that will take her beyond the bunker and into a brave new world.
Carey’s novel breathes life into the tired zombie narrative that by now, everyone on Earth is familiar with. Rather than centering his story around a group of human survivors, his main character is a young girl who is part ‘hungry’ herself. The author explores mature themes for a typically light genre: what it is to be human and whether part-hungry Melanie can ever be considered human. He creates an atmosphere of anxiety and terror and keeps the pages turning with finely-wrought suspense. The characters are well-drawn, especially Melanie, and it is fascinating to be inside her head as she sees the world with fresh eyes. If you’re looking for a new perspective on the same old zombie narrative, check out The Girl with All the Gifts – and of course, read the book first and then watch the movie!
Review by Shannon Wood
Adult Services Librarian
Nordonia Hills Branch Library
