No Paperback – November 1, 2000

To those who are good in physiology of the blood vessels and the issue of NO in dilating them and to those who thought of using or used Viagra/Cialis etc, an eye opener and fun Science with Fiction

After I read Frances Brodsky's review of NO in Nature, I ordered the book. I enjoyed NO tremendously. As an academic viral immunologist who has serendipitously discovered the potency of NO as an antiviral in encephalitis, I found the science impeccable and tongue in cheek. The book was very well written, with engaging characters. As a woman scientist, I found the travails of the protagonist valid. I only wish that love were so easy to obtain in my circles. The complexities of establishing a biotech company as well as sheparding a product through the FDA are illustrated in the plot, as well. Thank you for a week's free time diversion!

"Welcome to the tribe." So concludes Carl Djerassi's latest novel, NO---the final work in his science-in-fiction tetralogy. His terse ending summarizes one of the novel's recurring themes---the often primal behavior of research scientists. By referring to their "Nobel lust" or to their quest for financial rewards, Djerassi compels the reader to consider scientists from a more human perspective---one where fierce competition motivates decisions in scientific activity. In previous novels Djerassi has examined this cutthroat mentality in the context of authorship, in vitro fertilization , and cancer research. This time, by picking up on the frenzy surrounding Viagra, Djerassi sets the stage when he turns his characters' attentions toward the molecule nitric oxide (NO) as a potential cure for penile dysfunction.However, the real focus should be on a drug to cure Djerassi's fictive dysfunction. Although his science is engaging, his fiction remains uninspired. Detached dialogue fails to light any sparks on the page and leaves the reader with an array of one-dimensional characters. Renu Krishnan, the protagonist of the story, is an Indian chemist who works with a group of scientists and investors to bring a device to the market that helps male impotence. We watch her transform into a biotech executive and lose sight of pure science; her sacrifices are many, often at the expense of her family. Yet in spite of her struggle, Djerassi fails to give Renu depth and her unconvincing flawlessness precludes a connection with the reader. This is unfortunate, since her position as a female scientist in a predominantly male field is exceptional.Djerassi struggles in other aspects of the book as well. By disclosing from the outset that nitric oxide does in fact work, he has erased the element of mystery that normally paces a book. In later sub-plots he similarly fails to create suspense. As a result, NO loses momentum early on and emerges only as a stodgy, carefully constructed tale.Nonetheless, the book does have value. His science-in-fiction approach differs from science fiction in that the science is accurate, and his examination of the step-by-step process involved in developing a new drug---ranging from FDA requirements and clinical trials to marketing and potential lawsuits---is highly informative. Djerassi's commentary on the opportunities for research in academia versus the biotech industry is intriguing, as is his occasional reference to Indian and Israeli customs. And, if one has enjoyed Djerassi's other works, NO is replete with characters from previous novels. Just don't expect them to move you.---Vanessa J. Silberman

New writers are advised "write what you know." For Carl Djerassi this includes a great deal. "NO" is the fourth and best of his science-in-fiction tetralogy. Here some of the characters from the earlier novels cross paths. The drama begun in "Menachem's Seed" is nicely played out here. The intervening years realistically stretching between the two novels.One of Djerassi's expressed goals is to explore the tribal behavior of working scientists. As a working scientists myself, I can vouch for the validity of much of the behavior Djerassi has described. The establishment of a biotech company introduces a new vocabulary to science - SAB, MAB, IPO, options, blackout periods, et cetera. There is also a change in the focus and priorities for the research to be conducted. It's not a case of "good science" versus "bad science" but a case of science-as-a-part-of-business versus science-as-a-part-of-academia. In either setting the science can be good, high quality science or, bad, low quality science. But good, high quality science in a business setting is managed differently from good, high quality science managed in an academic setting.In "NO" Djerassi explore this borderland between academic research and a biotech enterprise. Djerassi brings a fresh voice to this topic. The science is solid and intelligible. The characters are realistic and face realistic dilemmas in the lab and outside of the lab. The pressures of money, prestige and trying to live a normal human life are all there. We scientists don't come off as a bunch of out-of-touch-nerds or a bunch of head-in-the-clouds idealists. Well, OK, maybe just a little of both, but only a little bit!I have worked in science for 28 years. Together these four novels have helped me understand some of the discomfort I have experienced in my career in science. Even though I like science and even though I do science well, I often don't like being in the company of scientists. These novels have helped me recognize and understand some of the tribal behaviors which I feel uncomfortable with. Within the tribe of scientists a Ph.D. is often the only birth certificate recognized. All of us B.S. or M.S. scientists are often treated as mere hands or head count, but seldom are we regarded as having much of a brain. That level of class structure was not explored in these novels. Perhaps it's not part of Djerassi's experience.