Customer Reviews

Trouble With Lichen

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As the plot of "Trouble with Lichen" meanders toward its conclusion, one may wonder if he/she missed the action. Often bogged down in exploring both philosophical sides of an argument, the book can be an interesting read. However, the execution in Wyndham's point is lacking.

Diana Brackley and Francis Saxover have made an amazing discovery from lichens that has the potential to allow the human lifespan to expand threefold. Diana and Francis unknowingly take the discovery in different directions, but are eventually faced with the same moral dilemmas. The effects of a change in lifespan are dramatic, effecting most every facet of life. Social and political forces are quick to react to these potential changes.

In the 21st century, many of the arguments presented by Wyndham in this work of fiction could be applied to modern issues such as stem cells. It is apparent from the tone of the book that Wyndham would side with the left. Fans of Wyndham will note this is typically the case in his books.

On many levels, this is a clever, thought-provoking read. Yet at times, it reads more like an argument on ethics with a work of science fiction in the background. As other reviewers have suggested, this is among Wyndham's lesser works.

I bet most of us have thought about having a longer lifespan. If only there was a fountain of youth. Throughout our short lives we worry about that day when we will reach the end of our own personal timeline. As we age we struggle to look and feel young but eventually we have to face the truth - life is short and we're aging every day and there is nothing we can do about it. But what if there was?

In Trouble with Lichen Diana and Francis, a couple of biochemists in England discover a species of lichen that has the magical ability to extend ones life by double or perhaps even triple. The problem is that the supply of this lichen is very limited and it's very hard to grow. Diana and Francis part ways and Diana opens up a beauty spa and uses the lichen in her products on a small but powerful group of women. Of course the secret of the 'antigerone' can't remain a secret forever.

The problem with this book is that the idea is better than its execution. Most of this book is spent setting up for a climax that never really seems to come into fruition. Also, none of the characters really appealed to me. On the plus side, it did conjure up thoughts about humanity and what might happen if we could all extend our lives three-fold. Would we become overpopulated? Could we stay in our current relationships for such a long time?

Trouble with Lichen is a decent read, though it does seem to lose its impact before the end. Still, check it out!

The lichen in this piece is a rare plant. It has the amazingly quality
of being useful in retarding the aging process in humans.

The discoverers of this decide to keep it quiet, to prevent an
uproar, but inevitably, the secret gets out. Particularly when one use
it was put to was basically in a beauty salon!

Definitely Wyndham's weakest effort.

John Wyndham has never been noted for writting fast paced action novels.His novels are more in line of leaving the reader with an expectation of what will happen next.This book starts out slow and never gaines momentum.It is filled with long drawn out and rather boering conversations.After so much of this your expectation is that there will be more of the same.The best thing I can say about this book is,having throuble with sleeping.Read Trouble With Lichen.