A Report From Group 17 [Paperback]

Robert C. O'Brien (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 222 pages
• Publisher: Warner Books (April 1, 1973)
• Language: English
• ASIN: B000FMILQS
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,575,662 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another lost work by O'Brien, March 6, 2000

By 

C. Moon (Valley Village, CA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Report from Group 17 (Hardcover)

Although only writing four books, O'Brien displayed a unique talent for imaginative and sensitive writing that is still relevent and captivating 30 years later. It is extremely unfortunate that both this and his other lost work (The Silver Crown) are out of print, as the four books together blend thematically to give the best overview you are going to get of this important, yet mysterious US author. As to Report itself, although functionally a fantastic book, it is probably the least of the four simply because it borrows so heavily from its predecessor Mrs. Frisby, such that it seems as though he might have merely rewritten his newbery award winning classic as an adult novel. However, this is not really the case. Instead, Report gives a fuller view of that same body of invention that also produced Mrs. Frisby, such that while certain ideas would not have worked effectively within children's literature, they work to amazing success in this sci-fi/espionage thriller (if one can really classify this book.)

As to the story itself, it does show O'Brien at the peak of his writing with vulnerable yet brave characters, a fascinating plot centering around the possibility of biological warfare (though this is not political, the characters are scientists, not politicians or generals), and O'Brien's favorite theme of humanity struggling against the constant threat of dehumanization via technology.

Again, this is not his best book, but everything O'Brien put out was significant--and while some of his other books have as stronger message, this one is a great and satisfying romp through what is mostly familiar terrain.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting, a can't put down book, August 18, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Foothills of the Adirondacks) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Report from Group 17 (Hardcover)

I've read this book three times, each time about three years apart. I can't think of a better book to read on trip as it will completely absorb you while you are waiting at an airport, or bored in flight. I would call it a science fiction mystery.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great Book, January 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Report from Group 17 (Hardcover)

I am So Suprised no one has reviewed this book. I thought it was great. One of RCOB's best works. If you like Genetics and a good plot this is the book for you.