I love Orson Scott Card and this book doesn't fail to deliver even though it is only half written by Card.

Without spoiling the book, I think it is safe to say Lovelock was wrong about Causo. It's the only logical way that the book could have been written.

Since Causo is not introduced until the very end, I don't think this information is going to spoil too much.

Les.

The setting for the novel "Lovelock" - first in a projected trilogy - is a massive 'ark' of a spacecraft departing the solar system to search for a new habitable planet. The real story is that of its title character, a capuchin monkey who's been genetically engineered to the point of human or above-human intelligence, and who serves as a 'witness', using implants to record the activities and lives of their human masters. Like all witnesses, Lovelock has had an innate affection for and loyalty to his 'master' programmed into him, hence the disturbing accuracy of his name. Even so, the monkey is astute enough to recognize what humanity is stepping towards here - 'slavery without shame' - by developing animals to human levels of intellect (or perhaps to the human Variety of intellect would be more appropriate; human society in the novel seems quite oblivious to the prospect that some animals might already have their own fairly high intelligences of a different perspective that's more suited to their individual life patterns) and engineering them to, in effect, like it. The terrifying thing is I can see this potentially happening, and possibly well before humanity is ready to attempt interstellar travel.

The unforseen catch is that Lovelock eventually grows to want his freedom. What though, could a single small monkey do about his situation? Given the vast mental capacities programmed into him (even among the enhanced witnesses Lovelock seems to be quite the intellectual prodigy) and the fact that it never seems to occur to any human that a mere animal could do anything But docilely serve them, the answer might be surprising.

The ending of this book is mind-blowing. Science Fiction has delivered some great endings of awe and discovery and revelation, but few that pack this kind of emotionally hammering punch. Few novels of any sort have delivered this kind of finale, where you can scarcely believe the words you're reading on the page. In terms of the science/ethics condundrums potentially faced in humanity's future (well actually I guess you might as well say the present in this day of advanced biotechnology, A.I., etc.) this is along the thoughtlines of works like "Frankenstein", "Jurassic Park", "Monkey Boy" or the prequel portions of "The Animatrix". A great - and emotionally turmultuous - gem of science fiction that could open a lot of eyes to the power of the SF field at its best; and to a host of real-life questions that are becoming more relevant day by day, as a possible future version of the human race is viewed through the eyes of one of their new slaves.

I have to say I'm biased, having been a huge Orson Scott Card fan for years. But in spite of the slight problems in this story, I loved it. I agree with other readers -- where are the second and third books?? You don't need the subtitle, "Mayflower Trilogy," to notice that there are loose threads that are obviously left for subsequent books to sort out.
I have re-read this book multiple times, and find myself speculating on whether the 2nd and 3rd books would be from Lovelock's point of view as well, or perhaps Diana's, Peter's, Neeraj's, or even Causo's.
We all know Orson Scott Card generally has more on his plate than he can handle at any one time. People have been pestering him for more books in the Alvin Maker saga. Until he came out with Shadow of the Giant, they waited impatiently for THAT. He has the feminist series featuring women of the Bible. AND he writes "other" books as well -- poetry, vaguely supernatural books (I don't know a better classification for Lost Boys and Homebody) and non-fiction as well. I expect he just doesn't have time to come back to little Lovelock and his pals on the Ark.
But I don't have to like it. Maybe if he and Katheryn Kidd already have the outline of the rest of the Lovelock saga, SHE could write it. I don't know if this is the solution, but the crew of the ark have been hanging around in limbo for SEVERAL years now, I think it's high time they were allowed to progress on their journey.

My vote is, READ MORE ORSON SCOTT CARD!!! He doesn't HAVE any books I DON'T recommend. And don't get caught up in any particular genre -- his historical fiction is just as well -thought out as his science fiction, so make sure you don't miss his book, Saints, for instance.

I enjoyed this story, it had some uncomfortable monents but I still enjoyed it. I have been waiting for the rest of the "Mayflower Trilogy" for all the years since. What's up with that?

The story reads well and remains interesting all the way to the end. There are no real cliff hangers although there is a little mystery about who is going to get murdered before the end of the novel. The story is told in diary form accounts written after most of the action in the story has occurred. The monkey talks about a murder that he has committed. There are a lot of dysfunctional people in the story at times any of them seems to be a good candidate for being murdered. It is actually these strongly annoying characters that made the story for me, they are well portrayed by the authors.

The technology part of the story doesn't always quite hold together especially if you know even a little bit about computer science. And the tech. is dated a little as well since the story was published way back in 1994.