Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer has been on my radar for several years now. The acclaim and notoriety that is received immediately following publication inspired me to instantly add it to my TBR list. Then, as often happens with books on that list, I ignored it for several years. The announcement and intriguing trailer of a film adaptation of the book brought it to the forefront of my list again.
The novel immediately presents itself as an eerie mix of sci-fi thriller and character drama. A group of women explorers have set out on an expedition to Area X, a mysterious portion of land that has been enveloped by a transparent border. Everything within the confines of Area X disappeared, and the remaining ecosystem has been vastly changed ever since. The explorers, made up of a Biologist, Linguist, Psychologist, Surveyor, and Archeologist, set out on a mission that is shrouded in secrecy. They are not even allowed to reveal their names to each other.
We learn of this strange place through journal entries written by the Biologist. As the unit advances deeper and deeper into Area X, the unusual nature of the place is slowly revealed to us. There is a blaring sound that trumpets through the bizarre landscape each night. Much of the novel focuses on a tunnel that the squad comes into contact with, though oddly the Biologist is convinced it is more of a tower than tunnel. The walls are covered in a writing that seems to be alive. More mysterious, it seems as if someone or something is still in the process of writing it.
Despite the allure of the high-concept sci-fi that the novel provides, the slow pace, distant characters, and no real ending really kept me from enjoying Annihilation. The book is only a couple hundred pages long, but I could never find a comfortable rhythm while reading it. We purposefully don't know the characters names, and their backstories and motivations are revealed through small anecdotes provided by the Biologist. I found that this unknown made it difficult to grasp onto any of the characters. The hints of a really great story made what I read all the more frustrating. The novel is the first part of a trilogy, but I'm not sure there are enough redeeming qualities to continue reading. Oddly, I'm still excited about the movie. This may be a rare case where I'm okay with the filmmakers drastically modifying the story from the book.
For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2018, 6)
Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer
I actually really liked this one, but all of my friends who read it did not! I was definitely the odd one out on this one. I liked it, personally, because I love a "baddie" that is really left to the imagination, because my imagination is terrifying. So I found it scary as all hell. I still haven't read the next two but I plan to get them after my next series read.
ReplyDeleteRebecca @ The Portsmouth Review
Interesting. The thing that really frustrated me is what made you enjoy it! It does seem to have been either a love or hate reaction from everyone who has read it.
DeleteNope, I loved John Scalzi concept of not identify the gender but would struggle not knowing characters names
ReplyDeleteIt was just too much unknown for my tastes.
DeleteAh, I am sorry that this one didn't work out for you :( It sounds like it is written with a lot of potential and if the characterisation and pacing was a bit better it would have been able to make a really good story. Such a shame. Hope your next read is a more enjoyable one for you!
ReplyDeleteMy recent post: http://oliviascatastrophe.com/2018/02/reading-wrap-up-january-december/
I’m enjoying Fierce Kingdom much more. I should have a review up in the next couple of days!
DeleteOh, despite it not working for you, this does sound like I might like it. I'll have to take a closer look. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteDon’t let my negative reaction deter you! I’ve read many reviews from readers I trust who loved it.
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