Absolutely terrifying.
Crichton has basically thrown together a grab-bag
of "worst case scenarios" for genetic modification research into a
"perfect storm" of biological nightmares. Even though it begins to read
like a farce, with hop-skip pacing and multiple random strands tying
together with implausible convenience, the reason it remains horrific is
because every nightmare in the book is true--it has either already
happened and will continue to happen, or every precursor for its
happening is already in place and nothing is being done to prevent it,
essentially assuring its inevitable event.
One issue he does not
include (at least, not directly) is the issue of the revival of human
eugenics which again, is already ongoing in small ways (for example,
through embryo screening and selection) and which is on track to become a
dehumanizing juggernaut if not contained. For an examination of the
kind of pressures that may create for humanity, see the movie "Gattaca."
This
work needs serious, conscientious consideration, and that is not being
done as the general public continues to be distracted by idiotic,
shallow "controversies" (as well as just "amusing ourselves to death"--a
la Neil Postman) while research that may create irreversible, tragic
changes to our lives--and indeed our very selves--continues unexamined.
