Novelist Jeff VanderMeer leads readers into a desolate world where danger and mystery lurk in every shadow in his 2014 book “Annihilation.”
The first novel in VanderMeer's Southern Reach trilogy, "Annihilation" takes place in Area X, an uninhabited wetland zone cutoff from the modern world for decades. This pristine, human-less and oft-changing geographical landscape has caused members of exploratory expedition after exploratory expedition to commit unspeakable atrocities. Most are never seen again.
The story picks up with the 12th expedition, made up of four women and including the narrator, a nameless biologist. Even as her past is dolled out in stingy flashbacks, the narrator seems somehow detached from the troubled events in her own life—including the death of her husband during the previous expedition.
The book is a slow burn of horrifying discoveries about both the characters and Area X. While the narrator is not likable per se, her practical nature and unconscious bravery kept me from dismissing the book's plodding pace for a more heart-pumping thriller.
Even though the weird is all around, Area X’s dangerous nature still manages to sneak up in the least unexpected form. And as the biologist begins to find pieces of the puzzle, the mysteries only compound, leaving the reader both helpless and hopelessly curious to solve Area X’s mysteries.
“Annihilation” will leave you with more questions than answers, but that is its purpose. It is a sci-fi thriller you can feel comfortable reading in the dead of night and easy enough to lazily read on the beach.
The biologist’s story ends with the last page, but consider yourself warned: love it or hate it, you will be picking up the next book in the series to unravel the secrets of Area X.
schulzek@indiana.edu | @kas_schulze
