Quarantine

ISBN: 0-06-105423-2 Order from: Amazon.com

Competent writing and truly original quantum mechanics-based concept put some interest into this deeply flawed SF thriller.

Reviewed by David on August 19, 1998

Genre: Science Fiction (Quantum Physics, Mystery)

Synopsis: Nick is a private detective in a world of the future, a world where the Solar system has been mysteriously isolated from the universe by an impenetrable gray shield. After being hired by an anonymous client to investigate the disappearance of a mental patient from an institution, Nick stumbles upon a conspiracy, whose secretive machinations bring Nick face to face with the most revolutionary discovery in history.

Full Review: Nick is quite good at his job, and it does not take him too long to get closer to the missing patient then his former colleagues in the police department ever managed during the official investigation. Chasing the mental patient proves hazardous to Nick's continued well-being, and his struggles with her kidnappers bring not only Nick's, but the whole humanity's existence into question.

The character of Nick, his history and motivations are very well drawn. The description of personal losses and of hysteria-induced terrorism is quite interesting. Unfortunately, it is also quite irrelevant. This is classic science fiction—the fiction of concepts, not characters or plot. The author's skill hides it for a while, but the lose ends and implausible developments make this a wasted effort. The scientific element is truly innovative, while based on (apparently) plausible principles of quantum uncertainty.

However, the innovation is so revolutionary, that the author's treatment of it seems contrived. If followed to its conclusion, the "anything is possible" consequences make this concept difficult to encapsulate in a book, as difficult as the "universe is formed by our imagination" books such as The Number of the Beast. As in all such books, when you have an infinity of outcomes, it is hard if not impossible to justify a specific plot. Even vague attempts to describe a couple of alternatives do not add much verisimilitude to the unbounded branching of the postulated universe. In theory, almost all plot problems can be justified by the central assumption, i.e. "it happened that way because it could happen that way", but such sophistry destroys plausibility and entertainment value of any fiction.

On the whole, despite a truly original concept, this book fails to be worthwhile fiction.

One intersting aspect is the technological optimism of the novel. There are casual, commercial-sounding references to brain modification, computer, manufacturing and transportation technics, which work as designed and make human life much easier; a refreshing change from the more fashionable approach of caution and apprehension of technology.

Overall: 5; Plot: 4; Characters: 4; Style: 5; World-building: 5; Originality: 7;

ISBN: 0-06-105423-2 Order from: Amazon.com