Borne by Jeff VanderMeerMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Borne, by Jeff VanderMeer, 2017
Wikipedia describes, "The novel takes place in the future, in the ruins of a nameless city dominated by a giant grizzly bear called 'Mord.' The perspective character, Rachel, is a scavenger in the city; she collects various genetically-engineered organisms and experiments that were created by 'the Company,' a biotech firm. One day, while searching in Mord's fur, Rachel discovers a sea anemone-like creature that she names 'Borne.'"
From start to finish of VanderMeer's novel, we are treated to a bizarre and often unsettling atmosphere. The characters are well-constructed and always make decisions aligned with their personalities and prior experiences. The storytelling highlights central themes of identity, nature vs. nurture, and the concepts of being human. With the mysteries weaved into dense post-apocalyptic surroundings, we are left with more questions to ponder on our own after the last page has been turned.
Immediately after completing the novel, the experience left me with some sadness for Borne, displeasure with Rachel, and annoyance with Wick. Throughout the book, the author kept me unbalanced with constant reminders of Borne's profoundly ambiguous nature. However, letting the story sit and digested wholly, I recognize some parts of the story you have to figure out on your own, while other parts start making sense only when you get further in and ponder it for some time, and a few of them never get any definite answers. Demanding and sometimes difficult to get through with the emotions the author draws out of the reader, VanderMeer's Borne is unquestionably worth the effort.
I rate this book 4.75 out of 5 stars.
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