11 Feb Book Review: The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey

I recently picked up The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey, intrigued by its unique take on the post-apocalyptic genre. As someone who appreciates character-driven narratives set against dystopian backdrops, I was eager to delve into this story.

What’s it about?

Set in a world ravaged by a fungal infection that turns humans into “hungries”—zombie-like creatures driven by an insatiable hunger—the novel centers on Melanie, a ten-year-old girl who is confined to a high-security military facility known as Hotel Echo. Alongside other children, Melanie attends classes while restrained in a wheelchair, guarded by soldiers who treat them as dangerous beings. Unbeknownst to her, Melanie and her peers are second-generation hungries who retain their cognitive abilities, making them subjects of scientific study.

Dr. Caroline Caldwell, the lead scientist at the facility, is determined to find a cure for the infection and views the children as mere specimens for dissection. In contrast, Helen Justineau, a compassionate teacher, forms a bond with Melanie, seeing her as a child deserving of empathy and education. This dichotomy sets the stage for ethical dilemmas and moral conflicts.

When the facility is overrun by a combined attack of “junkers” (hostile human scavengers) and hungries, Melanie, Justineau, Caldwell, and Sergeant Parks are forced to flee together. Their journey through a desolate England becomes a fight for survival, challenging their perceptions of humanity and the nature of the infection. As Melanie grapples with her identity and the implications of her existence, the group confronts the possibility that the future of the human race may not align with their preconceived notions.

What This Chick Thinks

Diving into The Girl with All the Gifts, I was immediately captivated by Carey’s ability to breathe new life into the zombie apocalypse trope. The narrative is rich with tension and philosophical questions, exploring what it means to be human in a world where the lines between humanity and monstrosity are blurred.

Melanie is a compelling protagonist whose innocence and curiosity contrast starkly with the grim reality of her condition. Her relationship with Miss Justineau adds emotional depth to the story, highlighting themes of love, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each grappling with their own beliefs and survival instincts.

The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of intense action interspersed with introspective passages that delve into the characters’ psyches. Carey’s prose is both accessible and evocative, painting a vivid picture of a world in decay while maintaining a focus on the personal journeys of the characters.

However, some readers might find certain plot developments predictable, and the ending, while thought-provoking, may leave others yearning for more resolution. Despite these minor critiques, the novel’s strengths far outweigh its shortcomings.

Final Thoughts

The Girl with All the Gifts is a refreshing and thought-provoking addition to the dystopian genre. M.R. Carey masterfully combines elements of horror, science fiction, and ethical inquiry to create a story that lingers long after the final page. I’d rate it an 8.5 out of 10 for its originality, character depth, and the compelling questions it raises about humanity and survival.

Try it if you like:

• “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy
  A haunting tale of a father and son’s journey through a post-apocalyptic landscape, exploring themes of survival and the enduring human spirit.
• “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel
  A beautifully crafted narrative that weaves together the lives of survivors before and after a devastating pandemic, highlighting the resilience of art and community.
• “Never Let Me Go” by Kazuo Ishiguro
  A poignant exploration of identity, ethics, and the essence of humanity, set within a dystopian framework.