Pale Highway – Nicholas Conley

(Reviewed by Ishita RC)

Exceptional

Gabriel Schist was the one who changed the face of medical history with his invention of the vaccine that cured AIDS. But now the same genius mind is languishing behind the walls of Bright New Day because of Alzheimer’s.

When one of the residents comes down with the horrific virus, Gabriel realises he is the only one who can stop the impending epidemic, if only he can put a halt to the rate at which his brain is deteriorating. The cure is much needed, before his brain reaches the point of no return.

To say that the plot line was interesting would to make this whole book unassuming and I would be underestimating it. The plot line has been well crafted, poignant and thrilling and does an excellent job in capturing and maintaining attention. The case of a brilliant man suffering the curse of Alzheimer’s and struggling through it, has been beautifully captured. The tactic of contrasting his past and present has been well carried out without putting the integrity of the book at risk.

The scientific terminologies used might seem confusing but the simplistic way in which they have been explained shows the focus of the author, and for that alone he should be applauded. The characters are well matched with the plot, and introduction of secondary characters did give me this whole inception kind of moment, but they all played out beautifully.

I am happy with the use of the title but the cover image does create an impression of something more dramatic. I blame it on my habit of reading too much Robin Cook while growing up.

I loved the book and I am definitely recommending to readers of all genres.

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