Science Fiction

A little late for the discussion, but wanted to share my thoughts anyway.

I also picked up the book after seeing it on the same list =) Actually, the first time I thought about it was when the movie came out. I was super excited about it (Alex Garland!) but it somehow did not click with me. And then I read the book synopsis and decided to pass. Then this list came up and I finally decided to give it a try. And like many others here, I did not find it all that appealing. I guess it is original and, tbh, I finished it very quickly, intrigued by what would happen next. I liked the mystery of it but not the weirdness. Sometimes it feels like the story is grounded in reality. But sometimes it feels surreal. I can see a parallel with Kafka.

I am curious though if anyone found some hidden meanings and clues one might miss on the first reading. It does feel like the author hid a few things here and there behind words.

One thing I did like and could relate to, was the protagonist, the biologist. She explains how she often got "carried away," worked on something she personally enjoyed instead of on things that would bring her money. It tells a cautionary tale. The biologist did not end up well. And she was a mess.

Not sure if I would have finished it had it been longer. Definitely not looking forward to the rest of the trilogy.