“Sphere” is a journey that very few have endeavoured to
undertake. I feel truly privileged to have had the chance
to read this enigmatic literary piece of work, filled with
insights into advanced technology, psychology and many a
theories like the congruity theory. Even though the roots
of “Sphere” are planted in the depths of science, Crichton
makes it not only understandable to a layman,but succeeds
in making it utterly
interesting.
The entire book is seen through the eyes of a
psychologist, Norman Johnson. It is a very interesting
point of view, as the
reader gets a pathway into the
working of minds of other characters. Norman’s aim in the
book is to keep an eye on a team that comprises of an ex-
navy person, a physicist, a biologist, and a mathematician,
who are living in a deep-sea habitat 1000 ft. under Pacific
Ocean to investigate a space ship 300, or more, years old
and of unknown origin. The space ship is entirely intact
with not so much of a scratch on the surface.
As the story unfolds this seemingly impossible plot not
only seems possible, but truly convincing. Crichton takes
us on a roller-coaster ride through black holes to the
uncharted territories of the mind. The book is written
eloquently, and the genius of Crichton is evident
throughout the book. As the story ends, the reader is
enlightened to the greatest vulnerability of human beings,
and an important lesson is learnt.
Michael Crichton was born in Chicago, in 1942. He is
arguably the best teacher of Science to masses. He is a
qualified doctor and also has some Hollywood movies to his
credit. He is also the creator of the television series ER.
His novels include The Jurassic Park, The Great Train
Robbery, Lost World, Disclosure, Timeline, and his latest
venture The State of Fear.