About the Book

Book: The Gene

Author: Timothy Browne

Genre: Medical Thriller

Release Date: July 12, 2020

We are the dwelling place of God—it is woven into our very DNA. Do we change the core of who we are by manipulating our genes? Is gene-therapy a miraculous cure or a slippery slope into eugenics?

Following their marriage, Dr. Nicklaus Hart and Maggie Russell enjoy the splendor and passion of a honeymoon in Hawaii. They learn that their union has brought new life, but the overflowing joy of Maggie’s pregnancy and their romantic getaway is interrupted by the shocking news of a genetic disorder discovered in Maggie’s family lineage. The devastating possibility that both Maggie and the baby carry the mutated gene for the horrific Huntington’s disease, shakes their faith.

Faced with this dreadful diagnosis, Nick and Maggie seek peace as they wrestle with the heartbreaking discovery of a genetic disease versus the knowledge that God is good—He has made their baby in His image and knit him together in Maggie’s womb. Like the millions of people around the world affected with genetic disorders, Nick and Maggie look for answers. With the belief that people are the dwelling place of God, and He is woven into the DNA, what should they do when that DNA has been corrupted?

Nick and Maggie travel to Poland, where the top geneticist, Emmanuelle Christianson, has founded and operates BioGenics whose mission statement is: Advancing the Human Genome. They understand that medical advances always cost something, but they face impossible decisions. They are unaware that the sinister side of genetic research has slithered in from the horrors of Nazi death camps into this modern-day technology. Their journey reveals more than the fight for knowledge, it uncovers a simmering evil left over from World War II. One that puts their lives in danger.

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My Impressions

I find myself crying as I finish this book. The Gene, #4 A Dr. Nicklaus Hart Medical Thriller, by Dr. Timothy Browne is not an easy read. Browne describes the horrors of German death camps and particularly the research of Dr. Joseph Mengele through his fictitious story of Dr. Emannuelle Christianson. Christianson is a top geneticist and reproductive doctor at Biogenics, a Polish premier hospital known for its cutting-edge development in genetic disorders. Maggie and Nick, recently married, seek out Dr. Christianson when they discover Maggie carries an abnormal gene that results in a horrific disease.
With enough backstory to be read as a stand-alone, The Gene tackles a complicated medical condition and breaks it down into understandable bits for the non-medical reader. As we progress through the book, Browne explains the ethical dilemma behind gene therapy and exposes its roots as seemingly benign, often acceptable procedures and intentions.

”Making human beings smarter, stronger, and healthier—isn’t that the goal of all parents who take their children to the doctor, enroll them in the best schools they can afford, and drag them to weekly violin lessons? Gene therapy is no different, ” opines Herr Bauer.
Great friendships, floundering faith amid great pain, and evil masquerading as good, are all themes drawn out. The lure of power and its ability to corrupt is laid bare. The novel contains a bit of language and vivid scenes of man’s savagery against man.

The Gene will appeal especially to those who like both World War II fiction and medical thrillers.
received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit. I am voluntarily leaving this review, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:

”…often what medicine can do runs counter to what it should do.

“Just because you don’t believe in God doesn’t mean He doesn’t believe in you. Darkness is not an entity in and of itself. It is only the absence of light. Your doubt is simply the absence of faith.”

My Rating

Great!

About the Author

Timothy Browne, MD draws from life and work experience when writing. For many years, he has worked as an orthopaedic surgeon and medical missionary for Operation Blessing, Mercy Ships, and Hope Force International. His work has taken him to Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Brazil, Ukraine, Borneo, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, North Korea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Haiti and Sierra Leone. He now resides in Western Montana with his wife, Julie, who along with their three sons, served with him.

More from Timothy

Christian Fiction that will get your heart pounding!

After finishing The Gene, the fourth book in the Dr. Nicklaus Hart Series, I have been able to look back at this body of work. The heart of my prose remains the same: to entertain and educate—fueled with imagination, inspired by history, and grounded in truth. I explored the mystery of North Korea and the threat of bioterrorism in Maya Hope, the complexities of the middle East and the history of Mesopotamia in The Tree of Life, the controversies of Big Pharma and our health in The Rusted Scalpel, and now examine the history of eugenics and the pitfalls of gene-therapy in The Gene.

Writing The Gene has taken significant research: exploration of Poland, investigation of the Nazi doctors and their horrendous medical experiments, the history of eugenics around the world, and of course, the science of genetics. The work has been satisfying, edifying, and many times, heartbreaking.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 15

Texas Book-aholic, November 16

Genesis 5020, November 16

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 17

Betti Mace, November 18

deb’s Book Review, November 18

Inklings and notions, November 19

For Him and My Family, November 20

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 20

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 21

Rebecca Tews, November 22

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 23

For the Love of Literature, November 24

amandainpa, November 25

Artistic Nobody, November 25 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Emily Yager, November 26

Blogging With Carol, November 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 27

Pause for Tales, November 27

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Timothy is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1039f/the-gene-celebration-tour-giveaway