Review of Reconfigurement
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Christopher Cawley
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Review of Reconfigurement
[Following is a volunteer review of "Reconfigurement" by E. Alan Fleischauer.]
Reconfigurement by E. Alan Fleischauer is a gripping science fiction novel that explores the consequences of technological advancement and the ethical implications of playing God. Set in a not-too-distant future, the story follows the life of Dr. Jon August, a brilliant geneticist who has dedicated his life to advancing the field of human genetic engineering.
The novel opens with August creating a revolutionary technology that allows him to reconfigure human DNA, effectively erasing certain genetic traits and replacing them with others. August sees this as a way to cure diseases and eliminate inherited genetic disorders, but as he begins to experiment with his technology, he realizes that he has the power to fundamentally alter what it means to be human.
Fleischauer does an excellent job of exploring the moral and ethical implications of August's work. The novel raises thought-provoking questions about the role of science in society and the responsibility that comes with having the power to change the very essence of human nature. August's quest for scientific progress is at odds with the societal and ethical concerns raised by his work, and the novel does an excellent job of exploring the tensions that arise from this.
The characters in Reconfigurement are well-developed and relatable, adding depth and nuance to the story. August, in particular, is a complex and fascinating character, driven by his passion for science but haunted by the implications of his work. The novel does an excellent job of showing how his scientific curiosity ultimately leads him down a dangerous path, blurring the lines between right and wrong and ultimately putting him in conflict with the very people he hoped to help.
The pacing of the novel is excellent, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged without becoming too convoluted. Fleischauer does an excellent job of building tension throughout the story, culminating in a satisfying climax that delivers on the promises made earlier in the novel.
One minor criticism of Reconfigurement is that it can be quite technical at times, with detailed explanations of genetic engineering and scientific processes that may be hard for readers without a scientific background to fully grasp. However, Fleischauer does an excellent job of making these explanations accessible and engaging, and they ultimately add to the novel's sense of realism and plausibility.
Overall, Reconfigurement is an excellent science fiction novel that raises important questions about the role of science in society and the ethical implications of playing God. The characters are well-developed, and the pacing is excellent, making for a gripping read from start to finish. While the technical nature of the novel may be daunting for some readers, it ultimately adds to the novel's sense of realism and plausibility.
In conclusion, I would give Reconfigurement by E. Alan Fleischauer a 4 out of 5 rating. While the technical nature of the novel may be a hurdle for some readers, the story and characters are well worth the effort. Fleischauer's exploration of the ethical implications of genetic engineering is both thought-provoking and timely, making Reconfigurement a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of science and society.
******
Reconfigurement
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Reconfigurement by E. Alan Fleischauer is a gripping science fiction novel that explores the consequences of technological advancement and the ethical implications of playing God. Set in a not-too-distant future, the story follows the life of Dr. Jon August, a brilliant geneticist who has dedicated his life to advancing the field of human genetic engineering.
The novel opens with August creating a revolutionary technology that allows him to reconfigure human DNA, effectively erasing certain genetic traits and replacing them with others. August sees this as a way to cure diseases and eliminate inherited genetic disorders, but as he begins to experiment with his technology, he realizes that he has the power to fundamentally alter what it means to be human.
Fleischauer does an excellent job of exploring the moral and ethical implications of August's work. The novel raises thought-provoking questions about the role of science in society and the responsibility that comes with having the power to change the very essence of human nature. August's quest for scientific progress is at odds with the societal and ethical concerns raised by his work, and the novel does an excellent job of exploring the tensions that arise from this.
The characters in Reconfigurement are well-developed and relatable, adding depth and nuance to the story. August, in particular, is a complex and fascinating character, driven by his passion for science but haunted by the implications of his work. The novel does an excellent job of showing how his scientific curiosity ultimately leads him down a dangerous path, blurring the lines between right and wrong and ultimately putting him in conflict with the very people he hoped to help.
The pacing of the novel is excellent, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged without becoming too convoluted. Fleischauer does an excellent job of building tension throughout the story, culminating in a satisfying climax that delivers on the promises made earlier in the novel.
One minor criticism of Reconfigurement is that it can be quite technical at times, with detailed explanations of genetic engineering and scientific processes that may be hard for readers without a scientific background to fully grasp. However, Fleischauer does an excellent job of making these explanations accessible and engaging, and they ultimately add to the novel's sense of realism and plausibility.
Overall, Reconfigurement is an excellent science fiction novel that raises important questions about the role of science in society and the ethical implications of playing God. The characters are well-developed, and the pacing is excellent, making for a gripping read from start to finish. While the technical nature of the novel may be daunting for some readers, it ultimately adds to the novel's sense of realism and plausibility.
In conclusion, I would give Reconfigurement by E. Alan Fleischauer a 4 out of 5 rating. While the technical nature of the novel may be a hurdle for some readers, the story and characters are well worth the effort. Fleischauer's exploration of the ethical implications of genetic engineering is both thought-provoking and timely, making Reconfigurement a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of science and society.
******
Reconfigurement
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Binge by Anne Pfeffer
