Ben, I agree. The whole existence of the book could be summed up by his brief conversation with the old man they encounter. You are living, just to prolong death. I honestly didnt see a glimmer of hope though-sure, they are fighting extinction, but, in reality (the books reality), they ARE just prolonging the inevitble.
It was a great read-I really enjoyed it. Well, maybe enjoy isnt the word I would use-I was captivated by it. Very well written-and you didnt notice the authors peculiarities after the first chapter.