Michael Crichton was many things, including a bestseller, and was responsible for the many many films that were made from his books. He was not, however, celebrated by the literary establishment. All of that aside, I have always loved his science fiction and future fiction works, as well as his contemporary and historical fictions.
Nick Adams, I agree! I think some of his books should be considered classics, but even some of his objectively lesser books (like the very poorly written but incredibly fun Prey) are worthy of people's time and attention. His ability to weave fact and fiction together was incredible. Few sci-fi authors backed up their ideas like Crichton.
I love your comment. Beautifully expressed. I have always admired Crichton’s extensive bibliographies and the seriousness and thoughtfulness with which he treats his ideas and his audience.
Problem #1) If it's true what they said - that the original manuscript was written in the '70's, and found in a drawer after his death. Obviously there was something about it that Crichton himself didn't particularly like, and didn't find important enough to polish up for publication. Problem #2) The editor didn't have access to Crichton, so they didn't quite know where to begin and quite know where to stop - if there were any gaps, or something needed expansion, they had to fill all that in themselves. Overall... It didn't stray too far from the nest, I enjoyed it, anyway.
Crichton had a very distinct voice and style, so even unpolished Crichton will still have that feel. I'm glad you enjoyed it! :) Thanks for your thoughts and taking the time to watch / comment!
Hiring a good ghost writer who can correct and rewrite a dead author's novel is key to it's success. Maybe there were too many people deciding about it's content: publishers, family, editors. Nothing good comes from a group decision.
Agree pretty well with your review. I felt like at the half way point and onward I was just "trying to finish it". It never felt like there was a real driving through-line, just kind of boring as much as I hate to say it.
chad stephens I'd heard it was a discarded draft from the 70s or 80s. Either way, it lacked the polish I am used to in his work, although there were glimpses of greatness.
perhaps this was just a first draft, so it hasn't been cleaned up yet. I love the works of Mr. Crichton, though. Personally, I think his essays, lectures and magazine interviews should be collected and published as a book. That would be an awesome read...
Tito Sauron_2 he was a brilliant man. I was always blown away by the research he conducted before writing a novel. And yes, that's my guess: this book hadn't gone through many (if any) revisions before his passing. In either case, it doesn't tarnish his legacy. That can't be taken away.
what do you think about what they did with "micro"? Do you think they should have hired someone to clean up "dragon teeth's" manuscript? for me, looking at "micro", posthumous collaborations could sometimes work despite being rather risky. And I agree with you that no matter what happens, this book's apparent shortcomings would NEVER tarnish Mr. Crichton's legacy. And I'd still buy this book.
Tito Sauron_2 TBH, this was the first Crichton I've picked up since Prey. Did you think Micro was handled well? My trepidation towards these others has only grown in the wake of Dragon Teeth.
I think that since Richard Preston did the best he could to stay true to what Crichton was trying to finish, the end result for me came out pretty much on par with the other Crichton novels that we have come to love. For me, Micro is THE final Crichton novel. Your trepidation is understandable toward his posthumous releases since they tend to be a hit-or-miss pitch. Perhaps you could do, for another episode, a review for one of his older works? Thanks!
Tito Sauron_2 thanks for your thoughts! I actually have my eyes on The Andromeda Strain, but I need to work out where it should be in my ever-expanding book queue! And based on your word, I'll certainly check Micro! Thanks again! I appreciate the conversation! :)
notgonnapay I'd like to think her motives were more pure, but it's hard to say. Some love this book, but it just didn't have that Crichton magic for me.
I actually really enjoyed this story. Yes, flawed and probably something Chrichton would not want released. However, it was entertaining to me as a fun period piece with some decent action. I love the setting and the perspective on the Bone Wars and Indian Wars. It's definitely not boring like a lot of mediocre books out there.
I just got the book, and I just got two Chicago chapter. So far it an okay read, but I'm not gonna lie it could use some editing. Hopefully some day could make it into a movie. Cause seriously there are some parts in the book that made me read it out loud, and funny enough ended up getting audience.
Love ya reviews. Thank you for mapping out the reasons without spoiling, a trait few internet reviewers possess anymore. Pirates and Micro were fun (although devoid of heavy scientific explanations), breezy adventures to read. Micro in purticular makes you smell the rotting flesh the wasp maggots give off before they try and eat you...repulsive and page turning...I think both would make great movies, as mostly all of Crichton's literary offsprings...but I have not been motivated to pickup Dragon. This review makes me kick that can down further on the road to reading again. Please keep them coming, Glasses!
Thanks for the comment, fair gent! I am constantly gobsmacked by how much information reviews give away. I am PAINFULLY aware of how difficult it is to review without spoilers, but to me, if you know too much going in, it'll change your perception of the work.
And I think releasing the book of a late author is probably wrong most times. The author probably didn't release the book for a reason: not up to standard, not finished, ect. Hey, now you've had someone anwser a question in your comments section. Maybe I've watered down your insanity just a little bit, huh?
Carter Modica thanks for watching and commenting! And haha, thanks for responding to one of the questions in my Spanish Inquisition -- doesn't abate my madness, but I appreciate the effort. ;)
I've been waaaay slacking after juggling some personal matters! However, knowing that you are looking for more is encouraging! I'll work on it soon! :) Thank you for watching and commenting and caring!
