Who Would Like This Book:
This is not your average zombie apocalypse tale! What sets this apart is its focus on complex characters, moral dilemmas, and the very human (and sometimes monstrous) need for connection and survival. If you love post-apocalyptic stories with a distinctive twist, strong character development, and ethical quandaries (not just blood and brains), you'll be hooked. The relationship between Melanie, an extraordinarily bright and curious little girl, and her teacher Miss Justineau, is the beating heart of the book. Readers who enjoyed books like 'Never Let Me Go', or stories that blur the lines between good and evil, will find this one especially compelling. Even if zombie novels aren't usually your thing, there's enough humanity, science, and emotional punch here to win you over. Plus, if you love audiobooks, Finty Williams’ narration is top-tier.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Not everyone is going to love the gory details, dystopian bleakness, or horror elements. Some readers found the middle of the book a bit slow and the multiple perspective shifts occasionally jarring. If you’re weary of zombie plots or want a more lighthearted or straightforward story, this might not be for you. The science can get a bit detailed, the ethics a bit tangled, and if you dislike morally ambiguous characters or dark, unsettling themes, proceed with caution. Also, if you’re looking for a typical 'happy ending', prepare for something more bittersweet and thought-provoking.
About:
'The Girl With All the Gifts' by M.R. Carey is a post-apocalyptic, dystopian novel that follows the story of Melanie, a young girl who is part of an unusual classroom setup in a secure compound. The plot unfolds as the compound is breached, forcing Melanie and a group of adults, including her favorite teacher Miss Justineau, to flee and seek safety. The book explores themes of trust, survival, and the power of love in a world filled with danger and change. The writing style is described as evocative, slow-building, and thought-provoking, with a focus on well-developed characters and a unique take on the zombie apocalypse genre.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Triggers include themes of violence, gore, child experimentation, and ethical dilemmas surrounding vivisection and death.
From The Publisher:
In the ruins of civilization, a young girl's kindness and capacity for love will either save humanity - or wipe it out in this USA Today bestselling thriller Joss Whedon calls "heartfelt, remorseless, and painfully human."
Melanie is a very special girl. Dr Caldwell calls her "our little genius."
Every morning, Melanie waits in her cell to be collected for class. When they come for her, Sergeant keeps his gun pointed at her while two of his people strap her into the wheelchair. She thinks they don't like her. She jokes that she won't bite, but they don't laugh.
Ratings (262)
Incredible (48) | |
Loved It (104) | |
Liked It (69) | |
It Was OK (28) | |
Did Not Like (11) | |
Hated It (2) |
Reader Stats (556):
Read It (269) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (199) | |
Did Not Finish (13) | |
Not Interested (74) |
9 comment(s)
Teacher's pet ends up with a teacher for a pet!
I absolutely loved this book. Its kind of horror, zombie survival. I don't want to give plot away so ill just say its brilliant, characters pulled me in and i actually cared what happened, really recommend this to anyone.
Turns out I've read this book three times since 2018 and I almost missed reading it this year. I don't think it matters how many times I read this, I always find something more to explore and the story never gets old. However I don't think I've read the prequel as much but should get to it soon.
This made me feel all the feelings. Lots of violence against children but I kinda knew that so it didn't "upset" me.
this is a unicorn: an honestly new and different take on the zombie genre
melanie is a child who thinks her life is normal, and the reader immediately knows it isn't
she lives in a cell, is locked into a wheelchair by armed soldiers and wheeled into a classroom every day, never seeing the sun or anything outside her cell, classroom, and hallway
once we see outside the compound where melanie and those like her are being studied, there is a core group of characters we follow as they try to find their way back to a safe zone that may no longer exist
pretty much any details about this book would create spoilers, but the way it ends creates an entirely new question of what it means to be human, and how hard we should fight to protect certain kinds of life and at what cost
This was fantastic. It was a new concept on an old theory
It's hard for me to review without spoilers, so I'll just say it was a different kind of zombie novel. Though I liked the idea, the overall story wasn't for me. It did make me think about humanity, and I read the whole thing, so it didn't suck. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
There just wasn’t much to it. The main supporting character was an insubstantial whiner with very little capability for introspection or growth, and the main character was superhuman which is always a bit boring
I'm really not sure how I feel about this - I think I'll go with 3.5 and round up to 4. First of all, I listened to the audiobook, which was an entirely different experience - to be honest, I feel a bit robbed by it and will stick to only non-fiction works in audiobook format, I think.
Very creative plot, distinct characters, and some really lovely imagery and prose. I just didn't feel as engaged as I usually do, but that might be the audiobook format.
What can you read after
The Girl With All the Gifts?
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