Michael Rogers (2) (1950–)

Considering this was written in '89 it is an interesting take on the science and ethics of genetic engineering. Many questions are asked, most of which society today is still not answering, almost 20 yrs later. The book is definetly set in the 90s with little of the technological explosion that we take for granted, featuring - few cell phones, internet etc. The biotech is accurately portrayed, and was at the limits of tech in the 80s, is now sort of commonplace. At the same time the show more assumptions that the underlying biochemical problems would also be resolved, have completely missed the mark...

Rackly, a recovered alcoholic, wants to have a child free of his disease, and embreyo screening seems to be the way to go. These days, such screening is remarkably hard due to the complex interactions of genes, not fully undderstood, even though we've had a human genome for a few years... just like in this book. The story resolves around the concept of making genetic changes at the DNA level, something we are still contemplating, without much sucess let alone a specific vector suchas the SP10 in the story. Rackley and Kaye his wife find themselves embroyled in the fortunes of United Genetics, which has just discovered genetically engineered plants spread further than expected, planned or allowed. Then the FBI arrest Kaye on grounds of illigal genetic engineering of embryoes and suddenly everyone is faced with stark choices.

The differences and similarities between what technology can and can't do, and the social implications which we have still to resolve make this an interesting read. Let down slightly by the annoying "introductions" to characters and places, through flashbacks. Also a few areas of unlikely and contrivd plot manipulation. Overall - it makes you think. show less