Congo by Michael Crichton Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Congo
Book Review: Average read.
Summary: 3 Stars
Michael Crichton's Congo is a rather uneven work that he wrote in his earlier days. There is less character development than in most of his novels. At some points the book is exciting, then you go into a 2 chapter discussion on medical history, ape history, or what have you. During these discussion points, there is no dialogue, no excitement, and no character interaction. Beside these points, the book can be suspenseful and very fun to read. The plot is complex and will keep you wondering about what will occur in the Lost City of Zinj.
Synopsis: An expedition to the Congo is a failure. The entire archaeologist party has been murdered by a mysterious gray apelike creature. Scientists at a laboratory in Houston have watched the video transmission of this, and plan to send in another expedition to investigate the occurance. A scientist named Elliot and his specially trained gorilla, Amy, are also involved in the new expedition plan. While on their way to the Congo, the members of the expedition encounter other hazards, including the kidnapping of Amy. What goes on when the party reaches Zinj is far more eventful and terrifying than anything that has happened in the book so far.
Readers of this very slow novel require patience, which I do not have. Only recommended for hardcore fans of Michael Crichton.
Book Review: Below Average Crichton
Summary: 3 Stars
I like monkeys just as much as the next guy but I was disappointed with the number of pages it took to get to the good part. Usually Crichton writes a great first chapter then he goes into explanation then the last 50 pages are awesome. In ''Congo" only the middle was almost no explanation it was just boring.
On the positive side monkeys are cool.
On the negative side it was kind of boring.
Book Review: Bring home Congo, bring home the fun!!!
Summary: 4 Stars
In Houston, Texas, a shocking video from the Congo appears before the eyes of Karen Ross, a scientist of the company ERTS. She sees the campsite of ERTS' current expedition destroyed and its members dead. Karen Ross is sent to the Congo to find out what happened with the help of a primatologist by the name of Peter Elliot, Peter's gorilla that is fluent in sign language, Amy, and an experienced guide named Munro with his crew of porters. Karen discovers that she must race to the Congo against German and Japanese scientists to find a specific diamond that may hold the key to the future, and she is driven to succeed at any cost. They must face bellicose hippos and tribes of fierce cannibals. As the expedition progresses, a vicious new species may tamper with the success of the expedition, and with the crew's lives.
I would have to say this is one of Michael Crichton's finest works. The book gives plenty of background information, making it easy to understand the plot and what's going on. After awhile, it is impossible to put the book down for its extravagant details and stunning scenes. The action is well described and sucks you into the book. The characters are very three dimensional and many have such great personalities that make the book's slower parts fun and interesting. One of the most interesting characters would have to be Amy, the gorilla fluent in sign language. She makes even the most fearsome scenes hilarious. The only reason I didn't give this book five stars is because it is not incisive enough, for it takes about 150 pages for the book to really draw you in.
I highly recommend this book, for it is one of the best books I've read in years.
Book Review: Catching and Keeping Interest
Summary: 4 Stars
I enjoyed this one alot. Chrichton always has a way of catching and keeping my interests. Having nearly the whole first half of the book on a close race/time schedual, really had me reading fast. And it was packed with primate facts containing everything from studies on chimps to morals on animal testing. Being a reader of adventure stories, I think he could have spent a bit more time having the team explore the ruins of the lost city, and some of the technical equipment was a bit outdated, but you have to remember when it was written. Over all, I thought it was just lots of fun, staying true to Chrichton's style of mixing fact and fiction, with very imaginated plots.Book Review: Congo
Summary: 4 Stars
This was another great novel by Michael Crichton. This book starts out quick with the killing of the eight group members, then it slows down to introduce the characters including a gorilla that understands sign language. The gorilla will help them out in the end... They will find some other stuff that they didn't expect to come across including diamonds and the terror that took the lives of the first group of members.
Once the story gets going though, you can't stop reading it, you'll never want to put it down. There is a lots of twist and turns that will suprise you. If you enjoy a good science fiction then you will enjoy both the technology and the story. If you don't enjoy science fiction, if you can see past the hubble in the beginning with the systems, you will still enjoy this story. It's a good book for everyone.