"Borne" by Jeff VanderMeer is set in a dystopian future where a ruined city is overwhelmed by nature, technology, and strange creatures. The protagonist, Rachel, navigates this perilous landscape, struggling to survive in a world where the lines between the organic and the artificial are blurred. Amid the chaos, she discovers Borne, a mysterious, sentient creature that she rescues and raises, which profoundly impacts her life and choices.
The relationship between Rachel and Borne explores themes of motherhood, identity, and the essence of life itself. As Rachel cares for Borne, she grapples with her past and the defining effects of the mutations in their environment. The creature represents both hope and fear, challenging Rachel to confront her reality and her connection to the world.