Book Review: Mengele's Legacy

Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM

Mengele's Legacy     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
David Jay Weinberg
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Thriller
Rutledge Books, Sept 2001, $ 23.95, 287 pp.

Dr. Isaiah Slesinger is America's pre-eminent protein biochemist. However, he has never been able to confront his guilt about his family's blindness to the Holocaust. When he learns of a supposed cure for AIDS, he discovers it is linked to a plan to wipe Africans off the planet. Can he stop this disease and find out the truth?

This novel is an enjoyable, exciting ride that mixes Nazism, international intrigue and science. Although Weinberg tries greatly to reduce the complexity of the scientific content in order that it is comprehensible to readers with little or no scientific knowledge, the fact that we are dealing with complicated proposals does mean that there is a high scientific level here. Nevertheless, you should not feel put off by this, as there are enough other plot strands to keep your attention.

Slesinger speeds around the world easily, tracking people and following up clues. His character is made easily believable and indeed, Weinberg even succeeds in educating the reader about the Jewish faith, as he explains words and customs often used. The denouement is somewhat expected, as Weinberg builds on it all the way through and leads the reader through to the inevitable conclusion. The only weak point about this ending is the last event, which I thought was unnecessary and weakened the book. It can be explained here without entering into spoilers, but I am sure that the reader will also feel the same.

Overall, a pleasurable scientific thriller that I could easily recommend.

Luke Croll - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM

Luke Croll - Conference interpreter and translator
http://lukecroll.translatorscafe.com