Annihilation (VanderMeer novel)
A biologist leads the twelfth expedition into a mysterious, supernatural zone.
Jeff VanderMeer’s Annihilation, the first book in the Southern Reach Series, came out in 2014. The story sends four women on the twelfth expedition into Area X, a deserted zone under government control. It won both the Nebula and Shirley Jackson Awards for Best Novel in 2014.
Quick Facts
- Author
- Jeff VanderMeer
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
- Series
- Southern Reach Series
- Genre
- Science fiction
- horror
- weird fiction
- Cosmic horror
- Publisher
- Farrar, Straus and Giroux
- Published
- February 2014
- Format
Facts from the source article.
Background
VanderMeer drew inspiration for Annihilation from a 14-mile hike through St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge in Florida and the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster, imagining Area X as a supernatural zone that removed human pollution. Many animals and vegetation from the hike appear in the novel, along with other Big Bend area locations. He consulted wildlife scientists to enhance realism. In March 2014, he visited the St. Marks Lighthouse, which inspired a setting in the book, for an interview.
Plot summary
Four unnamed women—a biologist, an anthropologist, a psychologist (the leader), and a surveyor—enter Area X, a coastal location closed for three decades, as the twelfth expedition. The biologist narrates through her field journal, revealing her husband was on the prior expedition, returning without memory and later dying of cancer. In Area X, they discover an unmapped bunker with a staircase curving underground, which the biologist calls 'the Tower' and the psychologist calls 'the tunnel'. Inside, cursive writing made of fungal material begins 'Where lies the strangling fruit that came from the hand of the sinner I shall bring forth the seeds of the dead...' and continues endlessly. The biologist inhales spores while examining it. She later remains conscious during a hypnotism session, realizing the psychologist dictates how to perceive Area X and that the spores may have made her immune. The team encounters fauna showing possible sapience. At night, an unknown creature moans ominously in the distance.
Reception
Reviews for Annihilation were generally positive. Jason Sheehan of National Public Radio called it page-turning and suspenseful. Salon.com named it book of the week, and GQ Magazine recognized it as a top book for February, calling it 'a book about an intelligent, deadly fungus' that makes for an enthralling read. The Washington Post described it as 'successfully creepy, an old-style gothic horror novel set in a not-too-future future.' The Daily Telegraph said it showed signs of allowing VanderMeer to break through to a larger audience. Entertainment Weekly gave it a B+ rating.
Film adaptation
Paramount Pictures acquired rights in 2014, with Alex Garland adapting the script and directing. Natalie Portman entered talks to star in May 2015, and Gina Rodriguez joined talks in November 2015. Oscar Isaac was announced as part of the cast in March 2016. Garland based the adaptation solely on the first novel. Filming occurred in late April 2016 in Windsor Great Park, England. The film was released on February 23, 2018, receiving positive reviews and grossing $43.1 million.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who published Annihilation (VanderMeer novel)?
Annihilation was published by Farrar and Straus and Giroux.
Which book follows Annihilation (VanderMeer novel)?
Annihilation is followed by Authority.
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