Eruption
Michael Crichton & James Patterson
Penguin Random House
Review: Karen Watkins
How this novel came about is more interesting than the publisher’s promised unforgettable thriller of the year.
Crichton’s wife Sherri wrote in the back story that upon her husband’s death she came across the unfinished manuscript of “a brilliantly laid out” plot.
Being introduced to James Patterson, she believed he was the perfect partner to honour her husband’s work and continue his story.
In the prologue, the early part of the story about the volcanic eruption became classified information days after it happened in 2016. It remained highly classified until recently.
The story promised all the ingredients of a thrilling adventure, merging Crichton’s signature scientific intrigue with Patterson’s fast-paced storytelling.
Unfortunately, this novel falls far short of its potential, offering a story that feels more like a contractual obligation than a work of passion.
The novel centres on the impending eruption of Hawaii’s Mauna Loa volcano, however, the execution is clumsy and dull. The plot has a doomsday scenario that feels formulaic and uninspired.
While there is some interesting volcano facts and information sprinkled throughout, it’s often buried under layers of poorly written dialogue and clichéd character development and devoid of any real depth.
The protagonist, Dr John “Mac” MacGregor, is supposed to be a fearless and intelligent hero but his depiction has not made him a convincing lead. The supporting characters are even worse – from his work companion and volcanologists to the children he coaches to surf. Attempts to add local colour through the use of Hawaiian phrases feel inauthentic and did little to immerse me into what I imagine to be a stunning setting.
The writing is peppered with platitudes making it a chore to read, the ending predictable. By the time I reached page 400 I was less concerned about the fate of the world and more relieved that the book was finally over.
This novel fails to live up to the legacies of either Crichton or Patterson. It’s my “worst” book of the year, so far.
