Technically this is the Sequel to Vandermeer's Borne (See below!), however, I feel like that could still be read as it's own as long as you have some kind of prior experience with Vandermeer's writing, because without that, this could easily be lost on you.
This book felt short compared to Borne, short meaning it reads fairly quickly. I wanted to read asap due to the questions I still had after reading Borne about the other survivors that we just barely get a glimpse of in Bourne.
I'd recommend reading this in one sitting if possible as the story shifts after the 100 or 120 page mark into a free flowing style of writing meant to take us on an engaging ride from this point until the end. Pausing or taking breaks will become a hindrance to you. If you stop, you may not be able to continue on.
The Plot is deeply well hidden which also answers some lingering questions I had regarding the Company, experiments, those three dead astronauts, etc. The whole thing was incredible haunting, symbolic, brutal and emotional.
I have previously described Bourne as being similar to an Acid Trip. Navigating whats real from what you're seeing. I also believe this description fits this book as well though on a much more honest and darker scale. There are also many leaps in this book, like a ride through the mind. I love Vandermeer's ability to balance between imaginative/ creative writing as well as his exploration of important themes within its perimeters.
Thoughts on Borne:
This is set in a post-apocalyptic world, with a mysterious and shady Company and its genetic experimental waste left in the aftermath of its destruction. There is biotech, which are experimental things left behind by the Company that are alive and also not quite alive at all. Lets also not forget a giant (and I mean MASSIVE!) bear that can fly... yup!
We follow Rachel, our main character, a young woman who has very little memories of her past and discovers a mysterious creature on the side of The giant Bear (whose name is MORD, by the way). This is a creature she cannot figure out. It doesn't seem to be a plant or an animal, she decides to name him Borne, "because she was the one who had borne him", and as she becomes attached to Borne, as mother is to a child, things go from adorable and wholesome to dangerous and terrifying.
The relationship that develops between Rachel and Borne as well as Borne's little discoveries kept me completely engrossed in this book. The secrets between Rachel and her lover, Wick, kept the pace all very frantic and fast-paced, it definitely has enough twists, turns and hints to grasp your attention.
The world-building was fantastic! There is reflection of self-identity as well as talk of what it means to be a person vs weapon. The ending was interesting and I loved seeing the character understand what happened and the mindset she had regarding it. Highly recommend this one if you would like to get into VanderMeer. Annihilation was great but I enjoyed the experience of reading this one much more!
This is set in a post-apocalyptic world, with a mysterious and shady Company and its genetic experimental waste left in the aftermath of its destruction. There is biotech, which are experimental things left behind by the Company that are alive and also not quite alive at all. Lets also not forget a giant (and I mean MASSIVE!) bear that can fly... yup!
We follow Rachel, our main character, a young woman who has very little memories of her past and discovers a mysterious creature on the side of The giant Bear (whose name is MORD, by the way). This is a creature she cannot figure out. It doesn't seem to be a plant or an animal, she decides to name him Borne, "because she was the one who had borne him", and as she becomes attached to Borne, as mother is to a child, things go from adorable and wholesome to dangerous and terrifying.
The relationship that develops between Rachel and Borne as well as Borne's little discoveries kept me completely engrossed in this book. The secrets between Rachel and her lover, Wick, kept the pace all very frantic and fast-paced, it definitely has enough twists, turns and hints to grasp your attention.
The world-building was fantastic! There is reflection of self-identity as well as talk of what it means to be a person vs weapon. The ending was interesting and I loved seeing the character understand what happened and the mindset she had regarding it. Highly recommend this one if you would like to get into VanderMeer. Annihilation was great but I enjoyed the experience of reading this one much more!
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