Author: Michael CrichtonYear of Publication: 1990
What does it take to write a great science fiction novel that is an absolute page turner? A fertile imagination, in-depth research of the topic and a riveting plot. The pitfalls are that with a bit of 'Too Fertile' imagination of the scientific possibilities of the near future and a shoddy research work could easily allow the plot to lose its credibility and eventually the reader's interest. Thankfully, Michael Crichton produces the right concoction of these ingredients to come up with an absolutely fabulous book on the ever mysterious and ever entertaining topic of dinosaurs.
When John Hammond, a maverick businessman, decides to create a theme park with dinosaurs brought back to life using genetic engineering, he has no qualms about the possible complications and issues that would arise because of such a venture. He goes ahead with the project in spite of the objections raised by Ian Malcolm, a mathematician from University of Texas, who has been hired as a consultant for the project. When Hammond and his team of scientists successfully start 'Producing' dinosaurs, something goes terribly wrong in their scheme of things. What happens to Jurassic Park (The name of the theme park), the animals and the people in that theme park form the rest of the plot.
The characterization of Ian Malcolm is probably the highlight of this book. Ian Malcolm's nonchalant & sometimes arrogant ways, his explanation of the chaos theory, the butterfly and various other scientific phenomenons is something that leaves a lasting impression on the minds of the reader. He is one of those fictional characters that I would love and idolize my whole life. The 'Jurassic Park' brings to the fore some of the questions we humans have been grappling with for some time now. Is genetic engineering a boon or a bane? Do we have enough knowledge to 'Create' life? The 'Power' to control life forms we create? Do we have the 'Might' to completely destroy this planet to leave it without a trace of life? Crichton answers many of these questions and leaves some open for the readers to ponder.
Bottom Line: There is no doubt that the movie adaptation was GREAT but it is simply nothing when compared to the book. If you are an avid science fiction fan, this is one book that you must NOT miss. Grab a copy now and I am sure you will not keep it down till you are done with the book. (By the way, I am a huge fan of this book and this is JUST the fourth time I have completed the book!)
The characterization of Ian Malcolm is probably the highlight of this book. Ian Malcolm's nonchalant & sometimes arrogant ways, his explanation of the chaos theory, the butterfly and various other scientific phenomenons is something that leaves a lasting impression on the minds of the reader. He is one of those fictional characters that I would love and idolize my whole life. The 'Jurassic Park' brings to the fore some of the questions we humans have been grappling with for some time now. Is genetic engineering a boon or a bane? Do we have enough knowledge to 'Create' life? The 'Power' to control life forms we create? Do we have the 'Might' to completely destroy this planet to leave it without a trace of life? Crichton answers many of these questions and leaves some open for the readers to ponder.
Bottom Line: There is no doubt that the movie adaptation was GREAT but it is simply nothing when compared to the book. If you are an avid science fiction fan, this is one book that you must NOT miss. Grab a copy now and I am sure you will not keep it down till you are done with the book. (By the way, I am a huge fan of this book and this is JUST the fourth time I have completed the book!)
2 comments:
I have never read this book, but I definitely want to.
It is highly unlikely that any movie based on a book will match up with the book... Davinci Code, Bourne Identity, LOTR etc are some of the examples. The movies are good, but definitely not as good as the books themselves. The reason is that there are limitations in the movie (cost, time etc) and most important of all, trying to overcome the each individual's imagination which they would have after reading the book.
Sanky,
Very true. And if U r planning on reading this book, read "The Lost World" as well. The movie and the book are entirely different in this one. The scientific details provided are also breathtaking.
Cheers,
Nagesh.
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