I first heard about NO the novel in December 2000, during the Biochemical Society meeting in Brighton, from Dennis Stuehr, one of several real experts on biochemistry of nitric oxide mentioned in this book by Carl Djerassi. However, it was not until last year that, after Djerassi’s brilliant lecture here in Hinxton, I bought and read it.
Nitric oxide (NO) has multiple physiological effects, but it is its importance for penile erection that made this simple compound the title of the book. Otherwise, the story is not about NO but about scientists who happen to be involved in development of Viagra-like drug. Carl Djerassi defines the genre as ‘science-in-fiction’. I do not have any problems with the science of the book but I do have a serious problem with the ‘fiction’ component. I did not love or hate or otherwise connect with any of the characters in the novel. They are not believable. Why on earth two women scientists, Renu Krishnan and Melanie Laidlaw, feel an urge to convert into Judaism? Renu’s letters to her ‘dearest’ brother in India read like Financial Times articles or something. To sum up: a fascinating read, touching upon many interesting topics, but, with all due respect, I wouldn’t call it great literature.
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