Zencey's short glimpses at the struggles which many of us face as we try to fit what we know, naturally, to be right, with the struggles of modern existence come together to form a foundation for a deeper exploration into modern ecology and environmental protection and exploration. I recommend the book as a starting point, and introduction, for anyone who is interested in figuring out how humans can make it for another few thousand years. This book does not provide many answers, but it asks many of the right questions.

AS MOST OF THE REVIEWS HAVE SAID, SIMILAR TO THE ALIENIST. PANAMA IS A GOOD MYSTERY EVEN IF A LITTLE SLOW. THE INVENTION OF FINGERPRINTING WAS GREAT. THE BOOK TAKES PLACE IN 1892 IN PARIS BUT GETS A LITTLE TO DESCRIPTIVE.

I read this book several months ago and so I don't remember all the details of it. I do remember that it was a very enjoyable read. The plot is very clever and complex, the characters are interesting and well defined, and there is some action and suspense in some parts. The best thing about this book is its atmosphere; you really feel transported to late nineteenth century Paris. I wouldn't say that it was an outstanding novel, but it definately deserves a lot more than the one star some reviewers gave it.

As you will see from many of the customer reviews, this historical thriller is not a purely plot-driven page-turner, a la Robert Ludlum or Ken Follett. If that is what you are looking for, you will be disappointed. Rather, the author takes the time (and, yes, forces the reader to do so) setting a mood, at the same time capturing the spirit of the age and the tormented inner spirit of the protagonist (Henry Adams). This is first and foremost a book about Adams' emotional recovery, so, no, it is not as fast-paced and action-packed as The Alienist. (I liked both books very much, but they are different--perhaps the marketers are at fault for raising false expectations.) But, so long as you are willing to savor a mood, and to arrive slowly at your destination, this is an excellent read.