My Rating: 4 hearts
Thoughts
on the Novel: Considering the synopsis of The Girl with All the Gifts by
M.R. Carey barely reveals anything, I had no idea what The Girl with All the
Gifts was about before reading it. I’m actually really glad that turned out to be
the case because had I known Melanie’s secret, I think I would have been
reluctant to read this book since I’m not too keen about zombie novels.
Assuming you’re like me and couldn’t
resist highlighting my spoiler (but if you haven’t, give yourself a pat on the
back), don’t expect The Girl with All the Gifts to be filled with action. Yes,
there are action scenes, but for the most part, The Girl with All the Gifts is
a slow read with complex characters that make you question, for example, what
it means to be a human. Are the young children in this story the monsters as
the adults would have you believe, or is it the
sergeant who treats the children like shit, the doctor who would do anything to
further her research and/or the teacher who encourages the children to dream of
a better future, knowing that it can never be? Is there even a clear villain in
the story?
In addition to its thoughtfulness, I enjoyed how much
neuroscience was incorporated into the novel. It’s not necessary
to have a science background in order to enjoy The Girl with All the Gifts, but having a neuroscience background definitely made me appreciate it more.
If it wasn’t for the abrupt ending and that at times the book
felt somewhat long (which it is at 460 pages), I would have considered The Girl
with All the Gifts to be a perfect read.
Comments About the Cover: I feel that it’s a little too plain looking.
