A Review of Marvin Zimmerman’s Debut Novel, The Ovum Factor
David Rose wakes up after a fitful night’s sleep wondering “what am I doing with my life?” But the ambivalence that surrounds his successful career as an investment broker and subsequently his cush lifestyle, soon makes way for an odd feeling that things are about to change drastically. Unable to fall back to sleep he rises early and gets ready for another day of monotonous work. The early start to his day sparks a snowball of events fueled by ‘fate' that will ultimately effect the survival of the human species and the planet. A chance encounter with the big boss of the firm he works for sets the wheels turning in a series of events that prove to be life changing for David as well as for all humanity. As they meet in the elevator for the first time he asks David “do you think the human species will survive?” David simply, yet profoundly, answers no--an answer that delegates him to become the man who will seek out the solution to save the planet. David’s intended mission is to determine for the firm whether this cutting edge research is worthy of investment. The aim of the research is to synthesize a molecule believed to exist naturally only deep in the endangered Amazon. The molecule significantly enhances the intelligence of humans when they are exposed to it in the womb which, in theory, will create a generation of super intelligent humans--the only people who are capable of solving the global environmental crisis and preventing mass extinction. David is skeptical at first, but soon comes to support the work. But like most cutting edge research that alters natural human growth, the use of the molecule is met with strong opposition from an influential Catholic Church. Progress is suddenly stopped and throws David into a quest for the natural source of the molecule. A team of specialists is formed, and soon the group sets out into the rain forest to find this plant that no one has even seen before. The adventure strips the identity of the unworldly conservative investment broker and transforms him into a more complete and balanced human being. The Ovum Factor is Marvin Zimmerman’s debut novel that offers a thrilling paradigm to our precarious future and the fate of our planet. Through a number of seemingly chance encounters, Rose finds love, friendship, a mentor, a direction and purpose in his life and most importantly that the workings of the world are not blasé fare. The book is packed full of adventure, mystery, conspiracy and a artful connection of events throughout the narrative in the book. The Ovum Factor is an excellent work of fiction. It is a perfect paradigm to the immediacy of the environmental crisis and its precariousness in our current reality. This book is an easy to read 'page turner' that is very difficult to put down. The Ovum Factor doesn’t go into detail about environmental problems, but the theme is there, as it is the premise for the adventure that is undertaken in the storyline. The story is too incredible to relate to most people’s lives and so if you don’t really know much about environmental problems the book probably isn’t going to inspire you to live a green lifestyle. The book is however, deeply philosophical and does a great job as an allegory to the interconnectedness of human beings within the intricate systems of the natural world which we are obviously a part of. The characters in the book represent all walks of life, from all different parts of the world, who are brought together in conflict as well as friendship by fate--one important and ironic theme throughout the book. In sum, The Ovum Factor is a book worth reading and is available at Amazon.com and the
author's website
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