A science-fiction book that is also horrifying, Stronger, Faster, and More Beautiful is perfect for Halloween. What’s even scarier than Halloween tropes–ghosts, vampires, witches? Dayton’s Stronger, Faster, and More Beautiful suggests the casual use of gene-editing technology is even more horrifying.
Cassella is an M.D. so there are many accurate medical details given in this story about Jane Doe, the woman brought in to hospital after a hit-and-run.
The novel moves back and forth fluidly between the present and the past. Eric and his girlfriend, the medical doctor treating Jane, want to find out more information about Jane.
The novel also focuses on two people who almost fall in love, Raney and Bo. Raney, who has been raised by her Grandfather to be self-reliant, hardens her heart against Bo because of his privileged background.
The meet each other as kids in Quentin, WA . Even then, Raney is keenly aware of class differences. Bo’s family leaves him in Quentin during the summertime when they travel or get divorced.
Although they sense a spark between them, circumstances keep tearing them apart. They nearly get together when Bo, a freelance writer, has a car accident in Mexico.
Convinced he has abandoned her, Raney casts her love for Bo aside.
Does anyone, however, truly forget their first love?
When its revealed that Jane Doe has a distinctive scar, the attending doctor’s boyfriend realizes he knows the patient.
Since this is a medical drama, the character’s illnesses and medical condition shape the story. For example, Erik, a science writer who also has neurofibromatosis, is hesitant to commit to his girlfriend because of it.
Though no one gets the medical miracle they are hoping for, the ending is deeply satisfying.
writeonomics 