The Immortality Factor (Hardcover)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: godless scientists, regenerating organs, organ regeneration, Reverend Simmonds, Zack O'Neill, Senator Kindelberger (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Bova's cautionary medical thriller, the uncut version of his 1996 novel Brothers, explores the political, social and religious ramifications of what could be humankind's greatest medical breakthrough—organ regeneration. When biotech lab director Arthur Marshak discovers a way to grow replacement organs and limbs within a patient's own body, the uproar from religious extremists, conservative politicians and sensationalized media coverage threatens to derail the project. When Marshak decides to let a science court in Washington, D.C., rule on the validity of human organ regeneration, the subsequent travesty of a tribunal not only imperils his career but also his tempestuous relationship with his estranged brother, who happens to be married to Arthur's ex-fiancée. Even an implausible love triangle and a cast of two-dimensional characters can't dim the forcefulness of Bova's message: the singular significance of science in modern-day society. (Apr.)
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From Booklist

Given Bova’s extensive catalog of science fiction and nonfiction, there are perhaps few better qualified to address the complex issues surrounding today’s controversial scientific breakthroughs. Toss the convoluted relationship of two brothers into a mix of cutting-edge science versus medicine for the masses, and his new novel engages both mind and emotion. Brilliant corporate researcher Arthur Marshak is on the cusp of an earth-shattering discovery that will cause the regeneration of damaged or severed tissue—organs and even limbs—so that amputees and people with cervical injuries, heart attacks, and strokes may fully recover without surgery. Jesse, Arthur’s younger, humanitarian physician brother, opposes Arthur’s breakthrough, however, because its hefty price tag will preclude using it to treat the poor. When Arthur’s project is evaluated in a “scientific court,” it draws national attention, thanks to an opportunistic evangelist, and pits brother against brother and science against religious ideology. Bova masterfully presents the subtleties of all sides of both personal and scientific issues in a movie-like presentation of court testimony interspersed with chapters of backstory. Guaranteed riveting reading. --Donna Chavez

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 480 pages
• Publisher: Tor Books; 1 edition (April 14, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0765305259
• ISBN-13: 978-0765305251
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.3 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #651,163 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars insightful exciting medical thriller, April 17, 2009

By	Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews (#1 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Grenford Laboratory Director Arthur Marshak discovers a method for human organ regeneration that enables the host body to replace ailing parts. The announcement causes a tsunami of support and criticism. Some called him God's agent on earth while others claimed he was a blasphemer.

Arthur agrees to appear before a Congressional "science court" in Washington, D.C. so that his project is not destroyed by politicians pandering their political base as he believes strongly that his achievement is a great gift to mankind. On the science court board is Arthur's estranged brother, Jesse, a winner of humanitarian awards for his work with the poor in the Bronx. Jesse opposes the technique claiming another example of money buying health as only the wealthy would be able to afford it. He has personal reasons to be against it too as he and Arthur fell in love with Julia, but he married her and then there is their late mother to split them further.

This is an insightful exciting medical thriller that makes a strong case to keep politics out of scientific research. The story line is at its best during the tribunal hearings as all sorts of irrelevant headline grabbing sound bites is tossed continually including by the "judges". The relationship triangle feels stiff and out of place as means to add sibling conflict. On the other hand a hostile business takeover attempt though not as explored like the politics intervening in science is interesting as the other firm has agenda to squash certain unacceptable research. Fans will enjoy Ben Bova's latest tale as he argues politics and science research are a bad combination.

Harriet Klausner

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A Revamping of an Earlier Book That Doesn't Deliver, June 10, 2009

By	Sacramento Book Review "SacramentoBookReview.com" (Sacramento, CA) - See all my reviews

Ben Bova's latest novel, The Immortality Factor, is his earlier book Brothers, restored to its original length.

Two brothers and the woman they both love are at the center of the novel, which looks at common events from each person's point-of-view. One brother, Arthur, runs a research lab. The other brother, Jesse, is a medical doctor. Between the two is Julia, who was originally engaged to Arthur but married Jesse.

In addition to their battles over Julia, the two are also at the center of a Science Court hearing. Though not one with legal standing, this court--which is based on fact, though not yet implemented--is supposed to look at the science behind the brother's desire to restore mobility to quadriplegics. Other issues, such as the right to life and harvesting stem cells from human embryos, are also brought into the mix.

While The Immortality Factor blends all of these issues, it does it in a very choppy, drawn-out manner. It also provides a highly-detailed, behind-the-scenes view of modern science, which is as much about making money as it is acquiring knowledge.

Reviewed by Dave Reynolds

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exellent reading!, May 16, 2009

By	Margaret Dybala "too many books, too little time" (Pearland, Texas United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

You can always rely on this author to give you a solid novel. Ranked with the classic "fathers" of science fiction, I expected an entertaining, diverting afternoon with a good summer book.

What I got was a riviting story centered on a debate about whether scientific feasibility or ethical concerns about the science should be primary considerations -- or if the two can be brought together.

This book is a reissue of a book issued some years ago that, at that time, was edited rather heavily. The Immortality Factor brings in previously deleted chapters, giving a fuller story. We have two brothers who come up on rather different sides of an issue about organ regeneration. In addition, we have strong secondary characters who support or oppose the research. All of this centers on a "trial" of the science itself, set in Washington, DC. The book has an interesting structure, with chapters alternating between the viewpoint of different characters, and the research itself.

I don't want to create a spoiler; let me just say that any thinking reader will have to confront and consider his or her own feelings on the matter. While it is true that the author clearly has an opinion, this book would make an excellent "book club" addition that would generate lots of interesting debate.

I hope any lover of science fiction (although that really isn't the correct genre for this particular book), medical thrillers, or future science thrillers reads and enjoys this excellent book.