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1 awardUS

The Windup Girl

by Paolo Bacigalupi*

Years Won

2010

Awards

1

Regions

US

Categories

2

Award History

Summary

Set in a future Thailand, "The Windup Girl" explores a world ravaged by climate change and genetic engineering. The story follows Emiko, a genetically modified "windup girl" created for servitude. She navigates a society that views her as an inferior being. The narrative intertwines with the lives of various characters, including a calorie man named Anderson and a corporate spy named Hock Seng. As food shortages and bio-political tensions escalate, the characters confront their desires and moral dilemmas. The novel examines themes of identity, exploitation, and the consequences of human intervention in nature. The setting reflects a blend of traditional culture and advanced technology. Power struggles between corporations and local governments shape the social landscape. The characters' fates are intertwined with the fate of their environment. Ultimately, the book presents a complex vision of a future shaped by humanity's choices.