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Parasite Eve by Hideaki Sena: A Book Review

By Hannsen Tan

Inspiring a video-game series of the same name, and winning a Japanese horror novel award, Parasite eve is a novel about one of the most important parts of the cell: the mitochondria. Mitochondria are organelles that are responsible for producing ATP, the molecule that powers the mechanisms of the cell. What is amazing about the mitochondria is that apart from its capability to convert food into energy, it contains its own genetic material, separate from the nucleus. This scientific fact suggests that the mitochondria could’ve once been separate organisms that formed a symbiotic relationship with the prototypical eukaryotic cell. Over time, the mitochondria and the cell evolved, so that the mitochondria became a cell organelle that has no independent existence from the nucleus. The novel makes use of this fact and puts a twist on it. It does so by supposing that the mitochondria, having once been a separate organism, have always retained a separate consciousness from its host. This consciousness called EVE, has been waiting for eons for the right opportunity when it could one day usurp control from the nucleus.

The novel has three parts and its plot is semi-linear, telling two stories which eventually converge in the climax. One is the story of a scientist named Toshiaki, who sought to revive his newly deceased wife by culturing her liver cells in a lab. The other is the story of Mariko, a 12-year old girl suffering from renal disease. The first part is quite technical, telling the reader in detail how a kidney transplant is conducted, as well as how scientists culture cells in the lab. The author also explains some scientific concepts like the Theory of Evolution, the Out-of-Africa theory, as well as the cell. Although some readers might be turned off by the novel’s unabashed use of technical terms, this is also what gives the reader a foundation so that he can appreciate the climax of the story later on.

Once the reader gets past the first part, the story becomes more and more interesting. Most scientists will appreciate this book, but it can also be appreciated by the layperson, providing he has the patience and the willingness to learn. It would also help if he has had some basic science education. Overall, the book is a fascinating read.