About the Book:
An obesity treatment has been discovered, but before anyone can benefit, a dispute breaks out about who owns the discovery. David Marchmont, a patent lawyer, is asked to handle the case. There's one big problem, though: crucial evidence is missing--evidence that might have a bearing on the clinical trial two years before.
David's personal life has its own challenges. His daughter, Chloe, has a rare and serious genetic condition. His wife, Rachel, becomes friendly with a young researcher, Kate Flanagan, who is seeking a cure for Chloe's disorder; Kate, in turn, becomes concerned that her lab colleagues may be cutting corners on the obesity drug.
As evidence of mishandling mounts--then disappears--Kate, Rachel, and David find themselves caught up in acute ethical challenges and personal danger. Is biotechnology outstripping our capacity to make ethical decisions?
My Thoughts:
“What was that?” (p. 113)
This question is asked
frequently and on many levels in Christine Poulson’s latest book, Deep Water. Many characters need to ask this question of
themselves and of those around them.
There are relational, professional, emotional and physical reasons to
ask this question, and eventually answers begin to surface. However, some characters don’t survive long
enough to get the answers they seek. This is the reality within the world of
medical/scientific research that Poulson explores in her novel.
It stands to reason the
competitive nature of research done to produce life-changing medications and
treatment exists for both philanthropic satisfaction and monetary gain. I was unaware of many of the parameters that
drive this competitiveness - funding sources, time limitations and positions
within a research company just to name a few.
Poulson layers this reality within dynamic and realistic relational
issues, and creates a cast of characters you will come to care about
deeply. As the story develops, and the
lives of the characters become intricately intertwined, it becomes difficult to
determine who becomes overwhelmed by greed and desperation enough to do harm to
those around them. This is the ever-present
mystery that keeps the reader engaged with the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel,
and I highly recommend it to everyone!
The novel is set in the London area, and there is some mild language throughout
the storyline. These were elements I
wasn’t expecting, but it is nothing that will distract the reader from the
enjoyment of the masterfully told story!
About the Author:
Dr. Christine Poulson has lectured in art history and is familiar with academic life. A member of the Society of Friends, she is the author of several novels and works of nonfiction and is an active blogger. She is a member of the Crime Writers’ Association.
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