The post-apocalyptic atmosphere I found so thrilling in “Oryx & Crake” continues in this novel, but much slowed and diluted. If you read O&C, there’s nothing new here. The story drags on forever, told in first-person by two characters, Toby and Ren. There’s one bad guy, who conveniently survives the apocalypse so he can come to haunt both heroines until the very end. The survivors, also conveniently, all play for the same team - a religious cult called the God’s Gardeners - and have their personal stories interconnected, which makes it easier to follow, although not convincing. Finally, what was supposed to be the culmination, ends flat in a big letdown, without resolution.

Don’t get me wrong - I’m a fan of Atwood’s writing, I love her character development, but these characters didn’t DO anything until the last few pages, just linger around, reminiscing about life before the “waterless flood.” And, since the premise of the story was not original anymore, I found this whole literary effort a waste of time.

I’m half-hoping Atwood would abandon the third book of the trilogy and move on to something new and unexplored. But, (sigh), I’m afraid she’ll milk this already dry cow until it drops dead. I must make sure to avoid the third book, when it comes out. A great talent, wasted. Pity.