Hey lovelies!

My book club, SDBC's first chosen book for the month of March was "The Girl with all the Gifts" by M. R. Carey. Today, I decided to review the book for you.

"The Girl with all the Gifts" is a story set in a dystopian world which is filled with 'Hungries'. Hungries are the walking dead (or zombie) remains of their human form. Ophiocordyceps is the fungus which is responsible for turning people into flesh eating machines, the Hungries. It resides in the brain of its host and damages the host's brain in such ways that the victim loses the capability of rational thinking. Only one function of the brain is left, and that is the one which triggers hunger.

The story begins in a seemingly 'normal' tone. It revolves around a 10 year old girl named Melanie. Melanie is a curious girl who is often compared to Pandora, a character appearing in the Greek mythologies known for her great flaw, her excessive curiosity. While reading the first few chapters, I thought that this was perhaps set in a war background. 

The story progresses rather slowly and author M.R. Carey goes into minute details in a slightly frustrating manner. Certain terms can only be understood by science students! On the bright side, the author makes a great deal of effort in character building. Each character is vividly drawn. More than half of the story has only 5 characters (including Melanie) who are on the road when attacked by Hungries.

Be warned: The end will leave you a little disturbed ;)

I would give it 3.5/5 stars and recommend this to anyone above 14.
-ER