Why read Borne?

Book cover of Borne

Book description

A FINANCIAL TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR

The dark, dangerous, funny and uplifting new novel from the author of Annihilation, the inspiration for the major motion picture directed by Alex Garland.

'Neither of us had control of our monsters anymore'

In a ruined city of the future, Rachel scavenges a…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Borne as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

CJ Friedman

Author

I love VanderMeer’s imagination and use of outrageous characters (a giant flying bear, an amorphous creature that can mimic anything/anyone) to explore the potential environmental consequences of humanity’s hubris. I was amazed by how much I cared for the characters in a setting where a literal giant flying bear terrorized everyone.

From CJ's list on outrageous books that address climate change.

Abi Curtis

Author

Vandermeer is well known for his science fiction ‘southern reach’ trilogy, particularly Annihilation. This extraordinary novel is set in the same universe, but I found it quite different.

I loved the female narrator, who lives in a blasted, mysteriously bleak world with her companion, Wick. She comes across Borne, a strange, plant-like creature she cares for. Borne develops the ability to communicate and has a delicate, alien intelligence. As he grows and evolves, so does our understanding of Rachel and her past.

This book was a revelation to me because although it’s a wild and alien world, its heart is…

From Abi's list on speculative fiction with soul.