I would describe this book as the Prequel to Oryx and Crake meets The Road. I read Oryx and Crake and loved it but I couldn't get past the first couple of pages of The Road. This book has an interesting layout, each chapter is divided into Then and Now - 2 different points of view of the same character. I read the first couple of chapters in full, but what sucked me in was Then, specifically the jar. And so I continued reading only those parts and then the last couple of paragraphs that wrapped up the story. I really really enjoyed the 13 months of how we got to now.About halfway through this book I said to someone, "I love this story so much I can't wait for it to be over." They thought this was the weirdest thing to say about a book I was enjoying, but after having read several trilogy-turned-series I'm always looking for a great book that just ends at the end. And that is ultimately what I meant. I love that feeling you get when you've finished a truly great book and you just sit there and savour the moment. For sure you're sad the time has come to an end, but also there is a great satisfaction in having that closure. Why did I only give this book 3 stars in the end? This book ultimately let me down in the last third, but I concede it was my own fault as I was not reading the Now portions I missed a major plot point that was contrary to where I expected the story to go. I'd set my expectations too specific, too high, too soon.I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys post apocalyptic stories. The writing is quite brilliant.