I became aware of The Girl With All the Gifts from finding and viewing the movie — which was AMAZING!
I recently completed the audiobook by M.R. Carey, narrated by Finty Williams. Among other accomplishments M.R. “Mike” Carey is the current writer on Marvel’s X-Men. Finty Williams is an English actress and the daughter of Dame Judi Dench.
The basic premise of the story …
In the future humanity has all-but been wiped out by a fungus. This new and powerful spore turns the host — human beings — into mindless eating machines, referred to as “hungries”. When they are prompted to capture and consume some protein they can move at high speeds, without fatigue, and be deadly. When it comes to food … birds, cats, dogs, humans … anything will do.
Melanie is a 10 year old girl living a controlled life on a military base. She very smart, loves learning, and likes her teacher. When the base falls under attack, everything breaks down — Melanie, her teacher, a scientist, and a few military men are thrust into the wild.
And this is where I don’t say anything more to avoid giving spoilers.
All that said …
I thought the film was good. The book, so far as I could tell, had more going on in it — as books often do. I would say that the film did a great job of honoring the content and spirit of the story — making changes as needed to achieve the film. As I neared completion of the audiobook I reordered the film from my local library; it will be interesting to re-watch the film. Also, I have become aware that Carey wrote a second book in the series — a prequel titled “The Boy on the Bridge“.
If you take nothing else away from this commentary — take this …
The book and the film are one of those rare pieces that change everything for its genre — the bar has been raised!
Girl With All The Gifts crosses multiple genres — zombie, military fiction, drama, and even sci-fi. It gives story elements you do not expect. Carey has made a futuristic declining-apocalyptical setting that could support many more stories — and with any luck …. it will!
LINKS
- M.R. Carey’s official website
- The Girl With All the Gifts on GoodReads
- The Girl With All the Gifts on Wikipedia