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"A wonderful dystopian novel by a Colorado author. In Bacigalupi's vision of our future, various plagues have wiped out people as well as the sustainability of our food supply. Large corporations, centered in Iowa of all places, hold the monopoly on the seeds of genetically engineered foods such as rice. Being large corporations, they are interested in profit and charge extortion prices for the world’s food, causing many countries to collapse and thousands to starve. The kingdom of Thailand has managed to secure its own secret seed bank and is therefore able to feed its citizens. However, corruption and discrimination are rife in the kingdom. The kingdom is surrounded by the hungry ocean kept at bay by levees and pumps. Cars and other gas guzzling vehicles have been replaced by bikes and Mammoth elephant type creatures called Megadonts who supply the raw power to machines. Computers are run by treadles much like old-fashioned sewing machines. Genetically modified creatures such as disappearing cats and Japanese "windup" human servants are considered "genetic trash". A wonderful cast of characters come together in an outstanding conclusion. This is a very violent book, but the issues it considers; what does it mean to be human, how much power should corporations have and what does loyalty matter when the world is so full of strife and chaos, are sensitively explored.”
Josie
