Book review: Annihilation, Southern Reach Trilogy
Many of you may have watched the trailer for this Netflix original movie (starring Natalie Portman). Even if you missed that, the star's name would have arised curiosity. That and the 'list of books soon to be made into movies' made me order the book from Amazon.
The plot is about a group of 4 women who cross into Area X, all we know is that the place is weird, has a border and we are told that this is the 12th expedition.
At the outset, let me admit this; it's a difficult book to review and i don't want to give out any spoilers. Frankly, it's not a book for everyone though I find myself agreeing with the great american author Stephen King who calls it 'Creepy and fascinating'.
I'll start out with what i felt was 'fascinating':
1. A story without names - I've never read a 200+ page book, where none of the characters have a name. They are addressed by their field of expertise. We get to read the biologists' perspective.
2. 1st person female written by a guy - Another first for me, and i really didn't realize it till i read the author's first name. It felt that much genuine.
3. Plot which doesn't define purpose - Is it a survey? Is it a mystery to be solved? Is there a definite mission? The reader doesn't get much sought out clarity throughout the book, which fascinated me as i could add my own imagination to the proceedings; rather than being hooked on a string by the author.
4. Flash backs - These are really random; and did mar the flow of book a little. But towards the end, one begins to understand why they were needed.
5. Suspense and dread - There could be differing perspectives here again; some may dread turning to the next page; and someone like me may want to jump a few pages to read the reality behind the unbearable suspense.
What was creepy was the way the story progresses. Although a first person narrative, it's written in the form of journal which the protagonist maybe writing every day. So, she filters out a lot and doesn't exactly follow a chronology. The description of specific elements are at times very meticulous, vague otherwise. The reader is left with no option but to cling on, and wait for all the pieces to arrive; solving mysteries they create in their own mind. And try as one may, the mysteries do not get solved completely.
If you are very much confused now, as to whether to read the book or not, i wouldn't blame you. I'd still recommend it though, especially to the fairer sex. There are many aspects of personal relationship the author touches upon, which may be familiar.
I'm looking forward now to watch the movie.
