Science fiction
Oryx and Crake
Snowman may be the last human, living near a group of gentle engineered people. As he scavenges to survive, he remembers his friend Crake, a woman called Oryx and the world that led to the collapse.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 2002
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 402
- Format
- Book 1 of 3 in MaddAddam
Read this if you like literary science fiction about science and corporate greed gone wrong.
Skip this if you want a hopeful read, as it is bleak and critical of human behaviour.
The feel
Content warnings
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Quick answers about Oryx and Crake
- What is Oryx and Crake about?
- Snowman may be the last human, living near a group of gentle engineered people. As he scavenges to survive, he remembers his friend Crake, a woman called Oryx and the world that led to the collapse.
- Who should read Oryx and Crake?
- Read it if you like literary science fiction about science and corporate greed gone wrong. Skip it if you want a hopeful read, as it is bleak and critical of human behaviour.
- How long and how fast is Oryx and Crake?
- It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 402 pages, first published in 2002.
- Does Oryx and Crake have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Death, Pandemic, Violence.
- Can I borrow Oryx and Crake for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Oryx and Crake; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Oryx and Crake?
- Readers who liked it often move on to The Handmaid's Tale, The Road, Station Eleven.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
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| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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