Adam One, the kindly leader of the God's Gardeners - a religion devoted to the melding of science and religion, the preservation of all species and the tending of the Earth - has long predicted the Waterless Flood. Now it has occurred, obliterating most human life. Two women have avoided it: the young trapeze-dancer, Ren, locked into the high-end sex club; and former SecretBurgers meat-slinger turned Gardener, Toby, barricaded into a luxurious spa. Have others survived? And what are the odds for the human race?

By turns dark, tender, violent, thoughtful and uneasily hilarious, The Year of the Flood is Atwood at her most effective.

Margaret Atwood's books have been published in over 35 countries. She is the author of over 40 works, including Oryx and Crake, The Handmaid's Tale and Alias Grace, which were shortlisted for the Booker Prize. The Blind Assassin won the 2000 Booker Prize.

Among Lorelei King's stage credits are Blues for Mister Charlie, The Manchurian Candidate and Death of a Salesman. Her film appearances include Notting Hill, Event Horizon and Martha Meet Frank, Daniel & Laurence, while among her television credits are Cold Feet, Chef! and Jonathan Creek. Lorelei also works extensively on radio, including the award-winning Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel.

All rights reserved. Margaret Atwood has asserted her right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.