Book Review
The Breakthrough by Daphne Du Maurier is a chilling, riveting account of a scientist's attempts to discover what happens after death, to harness the life-force (or Force Six as it is termed in the book) that leaves body/matter as death brings an end to it, and the consequences of the experiments.
Published in 1966, this book is way ahead of its time. The author has this book perfectly paced, unveils essential details just at the right time; in just 57 pages, she leaves you spell bound and at the edge of your seat all the time.
As Saunders leaves a happy position in his company Associated Electronics LTD only temporarily to join James MacLean's project at Saxmere, he does it as a personal favor for his boss with utmost reluctance. The computers capable of voice, the electronic circuits in his new lab hold him captive despite his initial urge to return home, thus allowing him time to know his project mates better - Robbie, a doctor; the jolly guy Ken, and the care taker Janus and his daughter Niki. Saunders slowly develops a liking for them and begins to share the same vision as them towards work.
High frequency waves, machines that hypnotise, rhythms recorded as life leaves an ailing man take you on a terrifying journey through the last few pages in the book. I cannot divulge more on what happens in the labs at Saxmere, what happens to Maclean, whether he, Saunders and Robbie manage to tap the life force after death, what their observations are.That is truly meant to be read and discovered.
There is no one who can hold a reader's attention the way Daphne du Maurier does. She is an unparalleled master in the craft of story telling. If I were allowed to travel back in time, I would take this book, meet her and get it signed by her. Get all the stars from the sky to rate this book, haunting it is!
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