Seizure (Cook novel)

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For the 2011 novel by Kathy Reichs, see Seizure (Reichs novel).
Seizure
Seizure (Cook novel).jpg
First edition
AuthorRobin Cook
Cover artistDigital Vision
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
GenreNovel
PublisherG. P. Putnam's Sons
Publication date
2003
Media typePrint (Hardback & Paperback)
Pages550 pp
ISBN0-330-48306-4
OCLC56756677
Preceded byShock 
Followed byMarker 

Seizure is a 2003 novel by American author Robin Cook which explores the concerns raised by advances in therapeutic cloning.[1][2][3] It debuted at Number 6 on The New York Times Best Seller list on August 3, 2003.[4][5] It remained on the best seller list for three weeks.[6] In November 2004 it appeared on the paperback best seller list.[7]

Senator Ashley Butler is a quintessential Southern demagogue whose support of traditional American values includes a knee-jerk reaction against virtually all biotechnologies. When he's called to chair a subcommittee introducing legislation to ban new cloning technology, the senator views his political future in bold relief; and Dr. Daniel Lowell, inventor of the technique that will take stem cell research to the next level, sees a roadblock positioned before his biotech startup.

The two seemingly opposite personalities clash during the senate hearings, but the men have a common desire. Butler's hunger for political power far outstrips his concern for the unborn; and Lowell's pursuit of gargantuan personal wealth and celebrity overrides any considerations for patients' well-being. Further complicating the proceedings is the confidential news that Senator Butler has developed Parkinson's disease, leading the senator and the researcher into a Faustian pact. In a perilous attempt to prematurely harness Lowell's new technology, the therapy leaves the senator with the horrifying effects of temporal lobe epilepsy—seizures of the most bizarre order.

Characters[]

  • Dr. Daniel Lowell: Scientist inventor of the HTSR and main character
  • Dr. Stephanie D'agonstini: Scientist and Daniel's partner
  • Senator Ashley Butler: Quintessential Southern demagogue politician that is afraid of the impact that his disease(Parkinson) may do with his career.
  • Carol Menning: Butler's assistant that follows him during his travel.

References[]

  1. ^ Harris, Michael. [1], Los Angeles Times, July 13, 2003
  2. ^ Thomas, Mike. Author writes Rx for public policy, Chicago Sun-Times, July 29, 2003
  3. ^ Noonan, Erica. COOK'S LATEST MEDICAL THRILLER IS FLAWED BUT FUN, The Boston Globe, August 20, 2003
  4. ^ BEST SELLERS: August 3, 2003, The New York Times (debut on best seller list at no. 6 on August 3, 2003)
  5. ^ Politics, science show dark sides in new thriller, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, August 1, 2003
  6. ^ BEST SELLERS: August 17, 2003, The New York Times, August 17, 2003 (listed at No. 14, dropped from No. 13 the prior week)
  7. ^ PAPERBACK BEST SELLERS: November 7, 2004, The New York Times
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