It is
difficult to review a novel of the “master” without repeating myself, since,
whatever the story, all his writings are characterized by the ability of gluing
us to the pages until the end and on the other hand by the fact that they
explore a new topic, always teaching us something new.
It also
happens in “Prey”. The topic is nanotechnology and the theme of the scientific
experiment that escapes from the hands of those who executes it. This latter
issue is certainly not something new, but the point of view from which Crichton
decides to tell us the story is very special.
Almost the
entire novel (except, I believe, one scene), in fact, is told in first person
by the husband of the scientist on duty, who for most of the book witnesses
strange situations that he does not understand or interprets in the wrong way,
thus keeping alive our curiosity, page after page, and by allowing us to find
out the facts with him. An approach that helps a complete involvement in the reading.
Yet unlike
other novels I’ve read so far, I’ve “just” given 4 stars. The reason is perhaps
personal: the topic of the swarm of nanoparticles has not impressed me at all.
It does not mean that the author hasn’t managed it in the best way. Quite the
contrary. The swarms, as he describes them, are really scary. But I found it a
difficult topic to conceive, especially in respect of the final developments of
story, but also the whole part, in which he explains a bit about the frontiers
of nanotechnology (information based in part on actual studies confirmed by the
bibliography and to which a lot of speculation and fantasy is added) has not
won my full interest. Maybe it depends on the fact that nanotechnology, at
least in the way it has been presented in this book, did not appear very
appealing to me. What missed, in short, as far as I'm concerned, was that part
of the fun in the books of Crichton that comes from learning something new,
this is because I did not felt involved in the topic, therefore the book didn’t
leave too much to me after reading it.
He,
however, remains for me a solid point of reference. I only regret that, once
finished reading all of his books, there will not be others anymore.
Prey
on Amazon.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment