I vaguely remember reading about this book a long while back but wasn't sure if i had finished. When i started reading again, i couldn't recollect any major situations or plot lines except for the fact that it was a medical thriller. After finishing the book, i realized why i hadn't bothered much!!
Michael Crichton is one of my favorite author right next to Arthur Hailey. They both have penchant for doing deep dive into the respective genres which would put a PhD scholar to shame. There will be way too much information that would be bombarded on the reader, page after page, that at times it would feel as if you are reading a theory paper on the subject, albeit presented in an interesting manner! Wiki says Crichton was about 26 years old when he wrote this story, under the pseudonym of Jeffrey Hudson. May be he predicted his fame down the line and despite winning awards for this book, he knew the topic was at best controversial. The book deals with the big taboo in American society - Abortion and the other favorite - racism. In fact, while reading certain sections, i was stunned at the kind of language which you wouldn't associate with someone like Crichton. Be it addressing the black character as Negroes, discrediting their claim to fame or any position solely on their color and how they get away with many things in their favor(!!) The other aspect that was a let down and literal put down about the book was the excessive detailing of the abortion procedure. Beyond a point, it was an overkill, literally and figuratively. Considering the timeline of publication being the late 60's, this book must've been seen in a different light as compared to how it might be viewed in present day world.
The other aspect that felt bit odd was the entire investigation is done by a doctor, a pathologist and he goes about questioning people like a cop. In fact there is a sequence where one character asks why he behaves like a cop rather a doctor, for which he responds saying he used to be a cop before!! But that doesn't justify the character and every sequence involving him seems to be an interview of sorts with every other new character. The crux of the story being, his friend, a known (Clandestine) abortionist, is arrested for having performed a botched up abortion on the chief doctor of his hospital. How his friend character, who is the hero, goes about proving his innocence is told in as detailed a manner as possible in the book.
Idhuku a case of need ku badhila, was it needed nu per vachurukalam!! Jurassic park ezhuthina Crichtona idhu nu thonuthu!!
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