An astonishing technique for recovering and cloning dinosaur DNA has been discovered. Now humankind’s most thrilling fantasies have come true. Creatures extinct for eons roam Jurassic Park with their awesome presence and profound mystery, and all the world can visit them—for a price.

Until something goes wrong. . . .

In Jurassic Park, Michael Crichton taps all his mesmerizing talent and scientific brilliance to create his most electrifying technothriller.

I purchased a copy of this book for my own reading.

Jurassic Park has always been a favourite movie for me. From Spielberg’s vision to some incredible characters such as Richard Attenborough’s John Hammond to Jeff Goldblum’s Ian Malcolm and the wonder of living dinosaurs, it captured my imagination. Though it took me a long time, I finally decided I had to give the book a try, or in this case the audiobook.

I went into it thinking I knew what to expect, but the depth of Crichton’s story far exceeds what is offered in the film. The core of the story is all there and for that, I was really pleased. But at the same time, it was clear to me that Crichton is a fan of science, with every element rooted in plausibility. Whenever science makes a showing, it feels researched and believable.

However, some elements from the film are significantly removed from the source material. The idea that a Tyrannosaurus’ vision is based on movement does occur in the book, but there’s more to it in the scientific reasoning from the author. A cursory search of the internet showed it to be accurate. A lot of world-building around the park is missing which isn’t critical but really adds a layer to the book. And the character of Hammond is not the affable, grandfatherly figure as seen on screen. He is miserly, mean and money focussed to the end.

While quite removed from the film in some regards, the book is a brilliant read. It’s rich, detailed and still as fantastical as the film in its own way.

My rating: