A review by frenchhornhero1995
Disclosure by Michael Crichton

challenging dark informative mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Many feel that Disclosure was Michael Crichton biting off way more than he could chew and to be fair the premise reads like if mansplaining the #MeToo movement were a book. However, I must insist when given a chance you'll see Crichton's argumentation is a little more nuanced than what the book summary may hint at. Specifically, Crichton is interested in not only the ethics behind sexual assault allegations, but also how we would investigate them in an age of rapidly changing technology. In regards to the latter he navigates how one by themselves with their own resources technologically can affectively prove their innocence and what that means in the grand scheme of things in regards to our right to privacy. It's a compelling argument that holds up even today as we more and more embrace and surround ourselves with the worldwide web, cameras, phones, etc. to be recorded on an endless basis. Back to the gender reversed workplace sexual harassment scenario he poses it can be seen by many that he would be trying to delegitimize those of what is typically found in news media. However, if you care to take the time to read it you'll find that he makes it clear it's actually to shed light on the struggles men have to discuss and be open about sexual harassment in our culture and how believability between two parties is often cast based on stereotypes that pervade our culture of who would realistically be a victim. Put it all together, and you have a book that if you give it a shot and ignore its reputation you'll find a thoughtful, if challenging representation of sensitive ideas and a thorough analysis of others that together still unfortunately has relevance even as our perceptions of gender as well as our technology have evolved since this novel's publication.