I would say that more than a scientific theory, this is a pseudoscientific thought experiment. But do not let this fool you, because insight after insight rises from this text to seriously consider every word as fact. This is a brilliant piece of theorizing, almost all of it product of careful instrospection. It is interesting to note how some of the points made in the book actually echoe scientific views on consciousness : for example, there is talk of a dynamic core of mental information, like Gerald Edelmans dynamic core. There is the twin data stream theory proposing two streams of informaion comming together to form consciousness, just like Stephen Koysslin's idea of merging of higher and lower order streams of activity for the same purpose. The whole idea of memory and present imput intermingling to form consciousness is the basic postulate of John Taylors relational model. Finally, there is talk of a verbal commentary, Larry Weiscrantz's candidate for a theory of consciousness.

One must also admit that, even when there is no actual direct evidence in favour of Adelmans theory, it is common sensical, and has some explanatory power. If nothing else, the theory of dreaming presented is quite interesting andd plausible. Memory consolidation has always been a candidate for a function of dreaming.
Of course there is also room for critique. Adelman, like some others, makes the mistake of putting language at an almost supernatural position in regards to its effect on consciousness. NObody denies that language expands consciousness, but Adelman goes on to say that there is no knowledge at all without consciousness, and that nonverbal animals cannot even distinguish between themselves and the enviroment. Language is one of the things that makes us human and separates us from other species, but it is not a gift from the gods. Working memory, and primitive forms of reasoning do exist in nonhuman species. After all,what about severe aphasics? I would not think they are unconscious.

Although, in specific details, this book does not follow the television series entirely, it is still a worthwhile read; and provides readers with various details about the characters which the TV series does or could not, due to the limitations of the medium (characther depth, etc.). The book is basically a novelization of 10 choice episodes from the first 2 series of Waiting for God, the BAFTA-nominated television series about the misadventures of two OAPs (Old Age Pensioners), Tom Ballard & Diana Trent. If you are a fan of British Comedy, this book is definitely for you--regardless of whether you've seen the TV series (shown on PBS in the US) or not.