Annihilation book review

 Annihilation is a very interesting novel, it basically dominated by female characters, combines the elements of science fiction and suspense. we follow the biologist’s perspective as we explore the mysterious “Area X,” a place with full of horrible, weird phenomena. I could always feel curious and nervous when I read this novel.

 

In this book, the author uses a vast amount of words to describe scenery and environment. Every idea and every motive of the characters are dissected in details. When reading the author’s description of the environment, countless clever metaphors and descriptions caught my attention, which is a kind of enjoyment. I even unconsciously brought myself into the scene. The weird setting of the story is also very imaginative. In this area, plants have the shape of human and animals have some characteristics of humans. Everything in the Area X is both familiar and unfamiliar, because it is neither beyond recognition, nor happened in the real world, and at the same time seems very close to our world. Something that seems to appear in the real world and pose a threat to humanity will always provoke thoughts, uncertainty and unease. However, in my opinion, the novel does not hold a completely opposite attitude towards this ecological change. The opposite attitude is only based on human considerations. If we consider it from the perspective of nature, such a change even makes the ecology more prosperous.

 

I think the book also highlights the value of women and their contributions to the society. Four female characters take on tasks that should have been done by men, and the biologists live to the end. The main character biologist is also a person with great sense of power and cold beauty that perfectly fits into this story. Although the strangeness cannot be explained, the biologist calmly observes and records with her own eyes. She tried her best to explore the harsh reality behind the mystery. The mystery surrounding the Area X have not been fully figure out in the end of the novel, there are still numerous unanswered questions. but because biologists action and unremitting exploration of the self, her final decision let me feel relieved. 


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