Title: Eight Lives
Expected publication: out now
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 all the stars!
Book Description:
A brilliant young doctor is dead ... and someone has to take
the blame.
Former refugee David Tran becomes the Golden Boy of Australian medical research and invents a drug that could transform immunology. Eight volunteers are recruited for the first human trial, a crucial step on the path to global fame for David and windfall gains for his investors. But when David dies in baffling circumstances, motives are put under the microscope.
With its origins in a real-life drug trial that ended in tragedy, EIGHT LIVES is told from the perspectives of David’s friends, family and business associates, who all played a role in his downfall.
Former refugee David Tran becomes the Golden Boy of Australian medical research and invents a drug that could transform immunology. Eight volunteers are recruited for the first human trial, a crucial step on the path to global fame for David and windfall gains for his investors. But when David dies in baffling circumstances, motives are put under the microscope.
With its origins in a real-life drug trial that ended in tragedy, EIGHT LIVES is told from the perspectives of David’s friends, family and business associates, who all played a role in his downfall.
My musings:
“When eating the fruit, think of the person who planted the tree.”
What scientist has not dreamed of discovering the drug that
will cure cancer or any of the killer diseases out there? It would make them
not only a lifesaving hero, but also a billionaire. But I am betting that the
average person has no idea of the “behind the scenes” that is necessary before
a new medication hits the market. According to one of the interesting facts the
author discloses in this intelligent thriller is that only 15% of all drugs
that go through clinical trial actually make it onto the market. Which is quite
an eye-opener, considering that a clinical trial costs tens of thousands of
dollars if not more. Not to mention the political wheelings and dealings that
play out between drug companies. So even if you discovered that grandma’s
innocuous herb in her vegie patch is the new cure to diabetes, don’t hold your
breath that fame and fortune await any time soon.
Former asylum seeker turned protégé doctor David Tran has
indeed managed to crack the code that could turn on our own immune system to
fight disease, making him the golden boy of Australian medicine and highly sought
after by drug companies wanting to cash in on his imminent success. If the drug
makes it through all stages of clinical trials, it could be worth billions. But
on the eve of the first human trial, David is dead. What happened? Who is to
blame?
EIGHT LIVES is one of the most intriguing, intelligent and
well-researched medical thrillers I have ever read, and the author’s intimate
knowledge of medical research and the pharmaceutical industry became very
obvious as soon as the story unfolded. As a health professional, I had no
problems with the medical terminology included in the book – in fact, I
appreciated the accurate portrayal of medical procedures and processes that
often get lost in works of fiction for the sake of entertainment or simply
because the author is not familiar with them. With its Australian setting, the
book also reflected our own medical system here, which made it easier to
navigate for me than US based medical thrillers.
Hurley tells her tale through the POVs of multiple
characters, and it was one of those rare books where I found each and every
character equally interesting. I also really appreciated the inclusion of
characters from different cultural backgrounds, like David (Dung) Tran and his
family, who were asylum seekers from Vietnam, and Rosa, whose family were
Italian. It added an extra depth to the story and reflected some of the current
topics related to immigration in Australia. As the story slowly unfolds through
different eyes, and each character’s unique voice, we soon learn that David’s
unfortunate death is surrounded by mystery and speculation. Why did this
brilliant young man have to die?
Hurley includes many fascinating facts about immunology,
pharmaceuticals, drug trials, animal and human testing of drugs and the
politics behind having a new medication approved for market, which all made for
fascinating reading. I was drawn in very quickly and could not tear myself
away! Whilst some characters are not very likeable, there is always some subtle
self-deprecating humour and good Aussie tongue-in-cheek at play here, which
gave the story a special flair I really enjoyed.
IF you are wondering about the title – it will make perfect
sense in the end. An end which is as tragic as it is shocking, and took me by
surprise. I would have to be a true mastermind to tie together all the strings
on my own, but it was very satisfying to finally have all the answers. What
really happened to David Tran? You will have to read it to find out. Make sure
to also read the author’s note, which explains the inspiration for this story,
which made it even more poignant for me. Also notable are some of the ethical
issues raised in this novel, which would make for an interesting discussion in
a reading group.
Summary:
Multi-layered, intelligent, gripping and satisfying are all
terms that come to mind when trying to describe this book. I highly recommend
it to readers who are looking for a smart medical thriller from a writer who
has insider knowledge of the industry and is not afraid to showcase it. I
really hope to read more from this author in future!
Thank
you to Netgalley and Affirm Press for the free electronic copy of this novel and
for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
A wonderful review, I’m intrigued..thanks for sharing your thoughts
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shelleyrae - I was so excited to discover this author, it was such a great read!
DeleteI love your creative book images! And it's always a plus to find 5 star reviews. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete