THE GRAY'S ANATOMY

by Rachel Armstrong
Serpent's Tail ISBN: 1-85242-635-7

Been a long, long time since I read any science fiction, lost interest years ago, one of those things. So, it was a groovy trip to get to grips with a very well written genre novel once again.

The author, Dr Rachel Armstrong is also a lecturer and broadcaster on the future of human society. Being a qualified medical doctor she's also served as mentor to artists whose work explores the future evolutions (all things possible) of the human body. Not forgetting the fact she's a rockin' writer.

'The Gray's Anatomy' is a striking and cookin' observation of the sign of our times. Planet Earth 2001. Now. Pick up a paper, switch on the T.V... chances are the mass media will focus on sex, the body (fashion baby yeah) probably aliens and a focus on the shape of things to come.

Take a step back and heave into the mix some twisted science fiction and wicked black humour, let it bubble and then go with the flow. The ideas start to ferment and the story lets loose with a flourish.

Well into the hectic third millennium a brilliant physicist has done the bizzo and set the scene for mass migrations of humans out into the far reaches of the universe. Alien contact can only be a matter of time.

Down beneath the surface of a distant planet, called 'Rune 66' an experimental biologist named 'The Chronicler' goes a delving (as you do). He's a member of an alien race called 'The Grays'. These beings take pride in carnal denial and possess advanced psychic abilities. They're also ruled by a bunch of self satisfied control freaks (now that rings some bells!). A planet of harmony... for some.

Then 'The Chronicler' bounces the cheque and makes contact with dear old us and all kinds of excrement hits the fan! Think 'Sky T.V' or 'Big Brother'. ~Think ratings. Think alien abduction theories (them or us)) and don't forget repression, suppression, realisation and enlightenment.

This is a bop along, take a pew and enjoy the ride, blazing satire, rich in outlandish observations and twisted views. A real gem of a first novel. Bright, alive and very original, this book should more than please most jaded genre dudes. Hip!

Whispering John Carter