John Darnton The Darwin Conspiracy

The Darwin Conspiracy

John Darnton

Knopf, Sep 2005, $24.95

ISBN: 1400041376

Field anthropologist Hugh Kellem tries to solve several mysteries related to Darwin. Near Ecuador, the British researcher meets scientist Beth Dulcimer, who also seeks to understand why the famous naturalist took over twenty years to release the Origin of the Species, and what happened to him that changed him from a confident scientist into a near anxious recluse.

Twenty-ish Darwin spends five years on the Beagle, taking copious notes of what he observes on his journey, and becomes increasingly confident in his abilities to do his job while a rival tries to usurp his findings. His notes serve as the basis of his classic Origin of Species by Natural Selection released in 1858. In the 1870's, Darwin's youngest daughter Lizzie, keeps a journal that shows her growing concern about her father, who seemingly overnight changed from a vigorous person into a frightened shadow of himself. Hugh and Beth find Lizzie's diaries.

This interesting tale uses three points of view to tell a fictionalized account (based on known facts) of Darwin. The story opens with Hugh and Beth teaming up, as both fixates over learning the mysteries of Darwin and on each other (that common obsession helps). The second (and by far the most interesting and intelligently designed) subplot, follows Darwin's adventures from drinking with the Captain before leaving, to seasickness, to self-assured individuality, and finally struggling with a competitor. The final segue focuses on Lizzie's diary. Though well written, the present subplot seems unnecessary, as it turns the life of Darwin into more of an academic mystery that includes a final shocking twist. While readers will enjoy sailing with Darwin, and somewhat Lizzie's follow up in his later life, the present pales in comparison.