Greg Bear
Darwin's Radio (1999)
Author: Greg Bear
Genre: Science Fiction (Philosophical)
Plot Summary:
Scientific tale about a huge challenge facing humanity. Is evolution a gradual process, as Darwin believed or can change occur in an incredibly brief time span? A virus that has slept in our DNA for millions of years is now waking up. CDC virologist Christopher Dicken realizes a retrovirus identified by molecular biologist Kaye Lang is the source of a sexually transmitted disease affecting only pregnant women and their fetuses – thousands of them. Those children who do not die at birth are – different. Evidence indicates that the virus also existed in the past in Europe and that men, women and children who had it were massacred. Mitch Rafelson, an anthropologist, proves that the same virus existed in prehistoric times and led to genetic changes in Neanderthal offspring. When these three scientists pool their information they begin to ask the question, is this retrovirus, buried deep in our genetic code, causing a disease, a mutation, or evolution? CDC officials and the White House are convinced that this is a disease and that those with the disease should be quarantined. They fear that the children who survive will spread the disease and are considering destroying a whole generation of children. No one will listen to Kaye, Mitch and Christopher who try to offer the voice of reason and tell the truth. No one will listen. Everyone is afraid. Will the situation tear society apart?
Geographical Setting: Swiss Alps, Republic of Georgia, Atlanta, New York, and Seattle.
Time Period: Near future
Series: First of two
Appeal Characteristics:
Winner of the 2000 Nebula Award, this book is a fast-paced thriller that is pretty linear with a heavy emphasis on characterization. You get to know each of the main characters well, from their loves to professional interests. The book also deals with many conterversial issues such as abortion, segregation, and genocide. Although the book deals with many of these hard topics it remains light and the tone is easy. There is quite a bit of science talk and many terms that are unexplained, but it does not drag the book down or make you completely lost.
Read-alikes: Through Violet Eyes by Stephan Woodworth is also set in an alternate, present day America while also dealing with government agencies. The other intriguing aspect to this novel that parallels with Greg Bear's novel is the fast-paced thriller nature of the book as all the new humans with violet eyes, giving them the power to channel the dead, are hunted down. Dan Atwater, from the FBI, and Natalie Lindstrom, a violet, team together to prevent more murders. It is a wonderful puzzle for those who like to uncover mysteries. Cosum by Benford Gregory also gives the reader the chance to uncover new science and solve the puzzle like in Darwin's Radio. This fast-paced science thriller starts with an
experiment that goes very wrong and produces a sphere that has new components never-been-seen before. This book will keep you turning pages even as it goes in-depth about the science involved. As Darwin's Radio provokes many heavy topics such as abortion and segregation, The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon deals with extreme medications and mental disabilities. The main character in this novel has autism, which is regulated by medication, but when he falls in love, he wants to be rid of the problem all together and deals with the issues of balancing modern medicine and ethics. A classic novel comparable to this is The God's Themselves by Isaac Asimov, which relates well in the sense that also brings up issues of new science and experimentation. It moves you along and helps you unravel the next puzzle of science. If dealing with plagues and finding the answer to the problem is your cup of tea, try Bridge of Birds by Barry Hughart. This fantasy book depicts a Chinese scientist on a journey to find the solution to a terrible disease inflicting the people of his country. The themes of nationalism and traveling to find the answer to the scientific problem are explored. Also try Octavia E. Butler's Xenogenesis series (begin with Dawn, 1987), which explores human evolution under the guiding hand of an alien race; Firechild by Jack Williamson, which deals with a genetically-modified creature that will play a vital role in humanity's future; Germline by Nelson Erlick, which delves into SF issues relevant to genetics; and Other Nature by Stephanie A. Smith, which examines the role genetic mutation may play in the future of humanity. All of these books address the twin issues of evolution and children at risk as does Darwin's Radio.
Red Flags: Complex, detailed discussions of evolutionary genetics and molecular biology - very scientific. A couple sex scenes. SPOILER: Ending is "a downer", does not provide a resolution to the situation. Unsatisfying. Will need to read the second book to discover the outcome.
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