The Maddaddam, de Margaret Atwood (2014)
The Maddaddam is the third book in the Maddaddam trilogy, which also includes Oryx and Crake and The Year of the Flood. This dystopian trilogy, written by Margaret Atwood, a renowned Canadian author whose work spans diverse literary genres, including science fiction, dystopian literature, poetry and essays. She is known for her distinctive writing and her ability to explore profound themes such as identity, power, gender oppression, and nature, often challenging literary and social conventions.
The story takes place in a dystopian future where humanity has been nearly decimated by a series of catastrophic events, including the spread of viruses created in laboratories. The protagonist, Jimmy, also known as “Snowman”, is one of the few survivors living in a desolate landscape. He is faced with moral dilemmas and tries to survive in a devastated world.
One of the most notable features of this trilogy is the emphasis on women’s connection with nature. Margaret Atwood deeply explores women’s role in preserving traditional knowledge about plants, herbs, and survival skills. Characters like Toby and Ren, strong and resilient women, play crucial roles in the plot by sharing their knowledge of nature and their ability to adapt to challenging circumstances.
Throughout the book, Atwood highlights how women, often marginalized and undervalued in dystopian society, become guardians of ecological balance and vital sources of wisdom. They play an essential role in the search for survival in a desolate world, showing that the deep connection between women and nature is a force that can withstand the worst adversities.
Atwood’s narrative continues to explore the ethical implications of genetic engineering, the relationship between science and power, and the destructive consequences of human greed. However, women’s connection with nature emerges as an essential part of this discussion, highlighting the importance of ancestral wisdom and environmental preservation in the face of technological threats.
Through The Maddaddam and the entire trilogy, Margaret Atwood offers a dark and provocative vision of the world we could face if we do not consider the ethical implications of our relentless pursuit of technological progress, while also celebrating the vital role of women as protectors of nature and nature. ancestral wisdom. This intersection between gender and ecology makes the work even richer and more relevant.