Review Corner: Next - Michael Crichton

Next - The latest book by Crichton is a brisk attempt at Genetics and its approach in the current day world. The scope for the book was huge, and Crichton could have covered more grounds here in his regular dramatized fashion than he has. The book seems to be written in a hurry! State of Fear, by the same author, that came out in 2004 raised serious questions in the reader's mind about Global Warming. And the outset of the novel was spectacular - details ranging across all continents of the world. Next, in contrast, seems to be focussed on the genetic advancements made by the USA alone - though there are a few mentions about the discoveries/inventions made in other parts of the world, say, Shangai/Europe, there isn't much weight added there.

Probably, Crichton was walking a thin line - because genetic advancements always have arguments on both sides - none has been able to put down their foot so long and say if it is right or wrong. And then comes the ethical and moral complexities in this field. The book concentrates on this aspect of genetics, dealing with quite a few issues that the human race is not yet ready to handle. The author has maneuvered these details with subtle care and has depicted quiet a few baffling possiblities in the future if cross-race-breeding and cloning are practiced.

And the book is full of technical details - am not sure if readers from varied parts of the world can relate to it. Personally, I am quite interested in genetics and have been reading any book on the subject that I can lay my hands on, but I found a few of the details and information provided, mundane and boring. These pages could rather have been filled with the story line, that lacks proper base and clarity.

To sum up, Next has lots of juggle pieces but the string that connects these pieces is not visible. At the end of the book, I felt like there are 3D blocks arranged all over the space and they have some connection between them, but the maze creator has not very succeedingly laid the pathline that illustrates how these blocks are connected. The story could have been something better and more dramatic, given the possiblities and imaginations that could span across what I would call the genetic era.

And surprisingly, there is no connection between the prologue and the rest of the book - or atleast unless I have made a mistake, something like an attention lapse. I would not dare miss any subtle information hidden under the layers that an average reader is expected to understand, given the admiration I have for Crichton and his novels. This book should have taken more time and clarity from the great thinker.

Sravan
4th January 2007,
Bangalore.

Disclaimer: The thoughts expressed above are purely my own and are not influenced by any external factor. No legal actions can be taken based on any opinion expressed above. Take it if you like it, else leave it.