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Next by Michael Crichton
Book Review By Spencer Green, Staff Writer
Even if one hasn’t read any of his books, Michael Crichton’s works
are still well known. Michael Crichton is the author of many works
of fiction and non-fiction, including ‘The Andromeda Strain,’
‘Coma,’ ‘Timeline,’ ‘Jurassic Park,’ ‘The Lost World,’ ‘Prey,’ and
his newest novel, ‘Next.’
‘Next,’ is a story of
the deceit, corruption, and danger accompanying genetic research and
engineering. This novel takes place in a world of cutthroat genetic
research corporations fighting for control over genes and research,
a world where a fifth of the human genome has been privately
patented and owned. Crichton tells this story in a different manner,
with several different main characters and sub-plots. Among these
characters are many memorable personalities, among which include
Vasco Borden, the dangerous corporate bounty hunter; Frank Burnet,
his daughter Alex, and her son Jamie, each of whom are being pursued
for their valuable cells; Henry Kendall, a scientist who created and
raised a human-chimpanzee hybrid, Dave; and Jack Watson, the clever
venture capitalist who is scheming to control the genetic research
industry.
As the
narrator constantly shifts focus from one character’s story to the
next, the reader feels like they are a part of the action, as if
they are actively watching the story unfold. The story is intense
and never stops, going from experimental drugs in California to a
talking ape in Sumatra to glowing turtles in Costa Rica. One of the
main plot lines is follows the story of Burnet, in which a
bioresearch company tries to steal the tissues out of his body, and
eventually attempt to get the tissues from his daughter and
grandson.
As biotechnology continues to evolve and our
understanding of genetics deepens, the lines of morality and
legality become blurred beyond recognition. While some of Crichton’s
characters strive to develop ways to help society and mankind,
others use such technology for personal gain or advertising.
Crichton has built a fictional thriller with scientific
substance. The intertwining plots of the fugitive Burnet family with
the Kendall family and the bounty hunter come to a climax at the
end, as these plot strands improbably converge into one. Crichton’s
wit and passion for his subjects is readily apparent to any who may
read his stories, and this is definitely one of the best ones he has
written.
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