The Darwin Conspiracy

After Charles Darwin returned from his time on the Beagle, where he spent years sailing the Atlantic and the coast of South America, he spent even more years cataloguing the flora and fauna he'd collected on the voyage. However, the voyage affected his health for the worse. What caused the ailments that tormented him. How come no physician could cure or even diagnose his condition? In spite of the fact that scholars have been pouring over Darwin's work for years, nobody really knows how he came up with his theory of evolution. Another mystery is why it took him so long after he returned to publish. Then, of course, there are those aliments I mentioned above which tormented him so after his return. An awful for John Darnton to handle in this book that will keep the scientist, the arm chair scientist and even Jane Average Reader like me, enthralled as we weave through the story. Yes, it's fiction, but it seems so real.

I did enjoy this particular novel. Mr Darnton is a good story teller and for the most part, is able to bring his characters alive. His unique method of keeping three stories going at one time took a bit of getting use to, but was an enjoyable ploy. I do strongly feel that to be able to really enjoy the story to the fullest, the reader should be somewhat familiar with the actual life of Charles Darwin. While some of the author's fictionalized accounts were pretty much out on the fringe, others could quite well be mistaken for literal truth by those who have not studied the life of this man. The book did contain some flaws, such as the age and expierence of the fictional researchers and the apparent ease in which the uncovered unknown sources of Darwin infomation. also, (no spoiler here) the end was pretty shaky, if not down right hokey. On the other hand, as long as the reader keeps in mind that there is much, much fiction involved here, this is a good read and will find it enjoyable. Suggest reading a good Darwin biography such as the wonderful work by Janet Browne. Overall, recommend this one.

"The Darwin Conspiracy" by John Darnton, N.Y., Alfred A. Knopf, 2005 ISBN 1-4000-4137-6, HC 303 pg. plus 6 pg, Afterward, Ackn., Biblio. & Note. 9 1/2" x 6 1/2". 4th novel by acclaimed writer. This elegant novel traces the life of Charles Darwin from childhood to his adventures on the "Beagle", his aging years, & spinning an entrancing story of mystery surrounding his voyage companions, his family & an attempt to define the time-line delays of two decades before publication of "The Origin of Species". The story is told most cleverly in three voices: the passionate idyllic scholars Hugh Kellem & Beth Dulcimer: his daughter Lizzie (a.k.a. "Bessie" & Elizabeth), & Charles Darwin himself. Hugh & Beth have a titillating romance while researching for lost or archived correspondence on Darwin; Lissie secretly journals Papa Darwin's activities whilst Charles chronicles an early education, role as Beagle's Naturalist & his relationship with the crew, islanders, academic associates & family. The read is extremely good -- suffice to say each of the 3 voices have their own affairs, trysts & difficulties but in the end there is a very satisfactory resolution of these unsettled goings on. Undoubtedly, some will be wont to obtain "Goblin Market" by Christina Rossetti to read "come buy our orchard fruits, come buy, come buy..." as overheard by Laura & Lizzie -- but that's another story.

I loved this novel that provides a fictionalized view of a Darwin complicated with murderous tendencies and other character flaws. It kept me engrossed during an entire two week vacation. Highly recommended!

Darnton is a gifted writer who manages to mix great human drama, interesting characters, creative twists and accessable science to produce a must read thrill ride. I cared about the characteres, marveled at their stories and stayed up all night to finish the Darwin Conspiracy. We watch Darwin evolve and learn what it takes to survive the powers who want to destroy knowledge. If you liked the Devinci Code, you will love this book!