"The Girl with all the Gifts" by Brit writer M R Carey-Copies Copiously from Others

British writer (b. 1959) M R Carey's novel is touted as "The most original thriller you'll read this year." But, this gore & adore lore is an appropriation of ideas galore.  Mainly it features zombie creatures called "the hungries" that comb the not too distant, dystopian world.  I discovered in this sci-fi monstrous mix Ray Bradbury's  "All Summer in a Day," &  Margaret Atwood's "Oryx & Crake."  The heart of the novel is ripped from Raold Dahl's "Matilda."  Melanie (our young heroine) is held captive. i She is harnessed, muzzled and rarely released from her cell except to attend class with other students.  These students are also restrained in their wheelchairs in cuffs and neck restraints.  The days are dismal and isolating.  The only ray of sunshine is when Helen Justineau teaches.  Sgt. Parks is the commander  of this menacing & nebulous facility. (Note:  Justineau - Parks, names with a Jurasic Park intonation.)  Sgt Parks routinely "keeps his gun pointing at her {Melanie} while two of his people strap her into the wheelchair."  What is this world coming to where a seemingly innocent & intelligent young girl, along with other youngsters are so severely treated?  Exactly - a world that has come apart at the seams.  It seems these children are "hungries" and are fodder for dissection & inspection.  Melanie, oblivious to her infectious nature of cannibalism, develops a strong affection for Miss Justineau; the only one whose shown her compassion.  Justineau is devoted & protective of Melanie.  The world as we knew it comes crashing down.  The walking dead "hungries" are on a mission to consume anything & everything with  a heartbeat.  The fortunate few (for now) include, Melanie, Justineau, Parks, pvt. Gallagher and the mad scientist Dr Caldwell who manage a harrowing & hasty escape. With a sociopathic Dr called Caldwell, you know little will end well.  Carey is a writer of novels, screenplays & comics.  He attempts a nature v. nurture theory & pays historic homage to British scientist & Greek myths.  "The Girl with all the Gifts" is nothing special. Warning: it's a Pandora's box.  Once you open the book, you're hooked.