A few years after I read the dull plodding horror Nathaniel, it was with mixed feeling as to what to expect here.I don't expect every book to be a classic, just a good story even if it dose retread old ground. And I'm pleased to say that is what I got when I read this offering from John Saul. But the key that keeps you grasping the book in hand, is not so much the horror elements but moreover the personality change or as for our main character a lack of it, which was caused by a car accident. A Dr Torres rebuilds Alex Lonsdales brain, a sets him on a closely observed course back to his family and friends. But how can they be family and friends to him if when he doesn't remember who they are, and images of the town where he lived all his life now somehow seem different, but recalls how it used to look over 100 years ago, not possible when he is still a teenager. To compile this with a body of a boy everyone knows and loves, but the eyes and the sole that occupy Alex is someone different. And the mysterious murders that crop up around the town create a creepy and foreboding atmosphere that start leaving everyone jumpy. But has the previous Alex died, will he regain his memory, will he be able to reconnect with his family and friends. And will I remember this book after a couple of years. The answer is yes and no. Yes as I got my review to look at again. instead of if I accidentally pick this book up get half way through then realize I've read it before. It a decent book and sends a passing chill as you read. A story about memories, just not one that will linger in the mind.
Anyone who has read John Saul's novels knows he stays true to a formula, but that doesn't mean his book are the same. Some things seem repetitive, like the fact children (mostly teenagers) are involved, a little science and a touch of the supernatural."Brainchild" is interesting and has a good pace. The suspense is building up nicely, and the way it is written makes for an easy and enjoyable read. The characters are one dimensional and except for Alex no one goes through any kind of development. But, based on the time frame of the story, that is normal. The horror factor is there, but for me it didn't scare me as much as I would have liked. I remember reading "Shadows" in high school and thinking it was actually really entertaining and spooky. Now, this book seemed an ok read and a good way to pass some time.One thing to keep in mind is the fact that it was written in 1985, when computers and computer programs were still new for most of the people.
What do You think about Brain Child (1985)?
So this was one of the first John Saul books that I read when I was 15, and at the time it was really groundbreaking in terms of the use of technology. But now, re-reading it, the story loses a bit of it's charm because technology has advanced so far that it doesn't really have the same terror/scary effect now as it did before. The ideas presented are not as far fetched as they once were. The work we are doing with computers and genetics really has come a long way and that dates this book. But t
—R
This book was a fairly simple read about a teen who'd gotten into a horrible car accident. After a brain-saving operation is performed, the teen survives. On the surface he appears to be the old Alex Lonsdale that everyone wants him to be, minus feelings. The kid has no feelings at all. And if that isn't creepy enough, he's suddenly a super-genius. He's able to store and recall any information he's given like a computer. The book is a farely easy read and I was able to breeze through it pretty quickly. I liked it, hence the 3-star rating. There just wasn't anything special about this book that would garner more than 3-stars (for me). There was nothing over the top about it and it was rather predictable. Other than Alex and his father Marsh, I don't remember caring about any of the other charachters. It didn't matter to me if they died or not. If you're looking for an easy read, or time-filler, this is the book for you. There's no need to think to much. And it does entertain enough, so much so that I didn't want to hurl it at the wall for being a waste of time.
—Patrice Hoffman
