Book info

• Title
• Author Michael Crichton
• Year
• Genres

Thoughts

One of Crichton’s early works, and a medical thriller, this is heavy going. The subject matter is controversial and tough to read, but ultimately it’s a story of a pathologist trying to prove his case.

One big problem I had with this book was the sheer number of characters. It started off quite simply with just the narrator and his family, and the accused and their family. Then there was a victim and that family, three hospitals, doctors, scientists, police, reporters, friends, relations and goodness knows who else. By about halfway through I was getting very confused.

The writing can get a bit technical in places, although there were handy notes at the bottom of each page if necessary, and a small appendix at the back of the book. Written in the first person, it flows very well, although sometimes jumps from person to person in an unexpected and jarring fashion.

I’m a big fan of Michael Crichton, and I didn’t mind this book, but I was hoping to love it. I was disappointed.

Rating: Unrated