Disclosure follows a very similar mould to Crichton’s later novel Airframe: central character is thrust into a situation that seems obvious to begin but unfolds into a larger conspiracy that they must eventually try to foil. Disclosure shuns airplanes in place of unfounded allegations of sexual harassment, and whilst, in true Crichton fashion, parts of the plots become close to the mark of ludicrous (point of fact: the protagonist, being locked out of the company system by his bosses, uses a prototype virtual reality system to obtain the info he needs), the book is entirely likable.
Feminists have lambasted its clear bias towards the male side of the harassment argument but what Crichton clearly states is that there’s an unfair leaning towards women as the obvious victim, which is, in itself, discriminatory. It also helps that the plot barrels along like a freight train and whilst you can see the ending coming a mile off, it’s an entertaining and frenetic ride.
Crichton really does like to boast about his knowledge of technology too. It’s his blend of this knowledge and the kinetic energy of his stories that have made him the techno-thriller king.
4/5
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