Next
7.08 / 10 79K ratings
- Language
- Spanish
- Published
- 2022
- Publisher
- Plaza & Janes Sa Editorial
- Pages
- 542
- ISBN
- 9788401029967
Michael Crichton's Next delves into a world where the rapid advancements in genetic science blur ethical and legal lines. The novel explores the profound impact of bio-research on individuals and society, questioning the ownership of human cells, the unchecked use of new therapies, and the implications of cross-species genetic manipulation. Through multiple interconnected storylines, including a family battling for the rights to their own cancer-resistant genes and the existence of transgenic animals with human characteristics, Crichton presents a landscape where corporate greed and scientific ambition collide with personal autonomy. This narrative offers a blend of factual insight and speculative fiction, urging readers to consider the immediate and future consequences of our genetic capabilities.
- Genres
- Fiction › Speculative fiction › FantasyFiction › Crime & mysteryFiction › Thriller & suspense › Techno-thrillerFiction › Speculative fiction › Science fictionFiction › Literary fiction › Psychological fiction
- Themes
- Science & technology › GeneticsPolitics & power › SpiesOppression & injustice › SlaveryAnimals › Birds
- Mood
- Adventurous
- Where and when
- United States Prehistory
- Style
- Audience: Children
Original edition
NextOriginally published in 2006 English HarperCollins eBooks
Other editions (93)
Listen to the summary Narrated summary
In a world where the very fabric of life has become a commodity, where scientific ambition outpaces ethical consideration, the boundaries of what it means to be human are violently blurred. Here, the hum of genetic sequencers and the whisper of corporate deals create a relentless current, pulling unsuspecting lives into its wake. It is a time when a man's own cells, once a part of him, can be declared corporate property, sparking a desperate flight for freedom.
Such is the plight of Frank Burnet, a man who survived leukemia only to find his unique, cancer-resistant cells patented and exploited by BioGen, a burgeoning biotechnology firm. The university, having sold the rights to his very essence, claims his cells were mere waste, granting BioGen dominion. When BioGen's stored cell line becomes compromised, their lawyers declare a chilling right: to extract replacement cells from Frank, or any of his descendants, by force if necessary. This legal loophole transforms Frank and his family into hunted prey, their bodies suddenly the most valuable of assets.
Meanwhile, another life, born of audacious experimentation, struggles for existence. Henry Kendall, a brilliant but reckless researcher, years ago introduced human genes into a chimpanzee embryo at the NIH. The impossible happened: a transgenic chimpanzee, Dave, emerged - a creature with the mind and voice of a human child, yet trapped in a primate form. Dave's existence is an anomaly, a secret the NIH is determined to bury, intending to destroy him. Henry, consumed by a paternal instinct for the child he inadvertently created, rescues Dave, bringing him into his family home, where his son Jamie embraces this extraordinary new brother.
The hunt for Frank Burnet's family intensifies when BioGen hires the ruthless bounty hunter, Vasco Borden. His target: Frank's daughter, Alex, a lawyer, and her young son, Jamie, who carry the same invaluable genetic markers. Alex finds herself thrust into a terrifying odyssey, constantly looking over her shoulder, shielding her child from those who would claim his biological inheritance. The pursuit is relentless, a stark illustration of a future where one's genetic makeup dictates one's fate, and the law offers little protection against the avarice of powerful corporations.
As these desperate narratives unfold, the world teems with other strange fruits of genetic meddling. A foul-mouthed orangutan in Sumatra gains notoriety for its Dutch and French obscenities, while an incredibly intelligent parrot named Gerard, capable of advanced mathematics, finds itself entangled in its own bizarre adventures. These vignettes serve as stark reminders of the pervasive, often uncontrolled, nature of genetic research, where creatures are altered, consciousness expanded, and the line between species blurs with alarming ease.
Behind the scenes, the machinations of corporate power players like venture capitalist Jack Watson pull the strings. Watson, a master manipulator, orchestrates a plan to sabotage BioGen's research, drive down its stock, and then acquire it, all while exploiting legal ambiguities to claim ownership over human genes. His nephew, Brad Gordon, a security chief at BioGen, becomes a pawn in these schemes, eventually framed for a heinous crime, his lawyers attempting to blame his actions on a "recklessness gene."
The separate threads of these lives - the fugitive family, the hidden chimp-boy, the genetically altered animals, and the corporate conspirators - begin to intertwine, leading to a chaotic convergence. A court battles over the fundamental question of who owns a person's cells, while Henry and Dave find themselves drawn into the perilous orbit of Alex and Jamie's flight. The climax sees frantic chases, narrow escapes, and a final, desperate struggle for autonomy against a system that seeks to commodify life itself. In the end, a judge delivers a pivotal ruling, declaring that no one can own another person's cells, but the journey to that truth leaves an indelible mark, forcing all to confront the profound and often terrifying implications of humanity's unchecked genetic ambitions.
Such is the plight of Frank Burnet, a man who survived leukemia only to find his unique, cancer-resistant cells patented and exploited by BioGen, a burgeoning biotechnology firm. The university, having sold the rights to his very essence, claims his cells were mere waste, granting BioGen dominion. When BioGen's stored cell line becomes compromised, their lawyers declare a chilling right: to extract replacement cells from Frank, or any of his descendants, by force if necessary. This legal loophole transforms Frank and his family into hunted prey, their bodies suddenly the most valuable of assets.
Meanwhile, another life, born of audacious experimentation, struggles for existence. Henry Kendall, a brilliant but reckless researcher, years ago introduced human genes into a chimpanzee embryo at the NIH. The impossible happened: a transgenic chimpanzee, Dave, emerged - a creature with the mind and voice of a human child, yet trapped in a primate form. Dave's existence is an anomaly, a secret the NIH is determined to bury, intending to destroy him. Henry, consumed by a paternal instinct for the child he inadvertently created, rescues Dave, bringing him into his family home, where his son Jamie embraces this extraordinary new brother.
The hunt for Frank Burnet's family intensifies when BioGen hires the ruthless bounty hunter, Vasco Borden. His target: Frank's daughter, Alex, a lawyer, and her young son, Jamie, who carry the same invaluable genetic markers. Alex finds herself thrust into a terrifying odyssey, constantly looking over her shoulder, shielding her child from those who would claim his biological inheritance. The pursuit is relentless, a stark illustration of a future where one's genetic makeup dictates one's fate, and the law offers little protection against the avarice of powerful corporations.
As these desperate narratives unfold, the world teems with other strange fruits of genetic meddling. A foul-mouthed orangutan in Sumatra gains notoriety for its Dutch and French obscenities, while an incredibly intelligent parrot named Gerard, capable of advanced mathematics, finds itself entangled in its own bizarre adventures. These vignettes serve as stark reminders of the pervasive, often uncontrolled, nature of genetic research, where creatures are altered, consciousness expanded, and the line between species blurs with alarming ease.
Behind the scenes, the machinations of corporate power players like venture capitalist Jack Watson pull the strings. Watson, a master manipulator, orchestrates a plan to sabotage BioGen's research, drive down its stock, and then acquire it, all while exploiting legal ambiguities to claim ownership over human genes. His nephew, Brad Gordon, a security chief at BioGen, becomes a pawn in these schemes, eventually framed for a heinous crime, his lawyers attempting to blame his actions on a "recklessness gene."
The separate threads of these lives - the fugitive family, the hidden chimp-boy, the genetically altered animals, and the corporate conspirators - begin to intertwine, leading to a chaotic convergence. A court battles over the fundamental question of who owns a person's cells, while Henry and Dave find themselves drawn into the perilous orbit of Alex and Jamie's flight. The climax sees frantic chases, narrow escapes, and a final, desperate struggle for autonomy against a system that seeks to commodify life itself. In the end, a judge delivers a pivotal ruling, declaring that no one can own another person's cells, but the journey to that truth leaves an indelible mark, forcing all to confront the profound and often terrifying implications of humanity's unchecked genetic ambitions.
What other readers say
Liked
Michael Crichton's "Next" is frequently praised for its ambitious exploration of genetic engineering and its profound societal implications. Readers consistently highlight the book's ability to provoke thought, delving into complex topics like gene patenting, the corporatization of human genes, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding genetic manipulation. Many found it to be incredibly well-researched, praising Crichton's dedication to presenting factual bases for his fictional scenarios, which often left them learning a great deal and considering issues they previously knew nothing about. Despite its scientific depth, the book is often described as a page-turner, engaging, and fast-paced, offering a thrilling and timely look into a future that feels unsettlingly close to reality. Its thematic strength, particularly in exposing the potential for greed to warp scientific advancement, resonated strongly with many, who appreciated it as a poignant and even satirical warning.
Disliked
However, "Next" also draws significant criticism, primarily regarding its narrative structure and execution. A common complaint is the book's lack of cohesion, with many reviewers finding it to be a collection of disparate stories or anecdotes rather than a unified plot. This episodic approach often led to an overwhelming number of characters, making them difficult to track and preventing meaningful development. While the extensive research was lauded, the sheer volume of medical and technical information, often presented didactically, was frequently cited as making the book a slow slog, boring, or confusing at times. Some readers felt the initial promise of the premise was squandered, leading to disappointment, a lack of action, or an unsatisfying ending where subplots either fizzled out or were tied together too neatly. Elements such as transgenic animals with human-like traits were also described as silly or over-exaggerated, detracting from the book's serious themes.
In short
Overall, "Next" elicits a highly polarized response, praised for its intellectual depth and criticized for its narrative flaws. It shines as a thought-provoking "drama of ideas," effectively raising crucial questions about the ethics and legalities of genetic science. Readers who appreciate Michael Crichton's signature blend of science and fiction, particularly those interested in biotechnology, intellectual property law, and the ethical challenges of scientific advancement, are most likely to find this book compelling. It is recommended for those who enjoy a well-researched, discussion-generating read and are prepared for a less conventional story structure, prioritizing thematic exploration over a singular, tightly woven plot with deep character development.
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