Review: The author spares nothing in this intelligent web of greed
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 26, 2011
In Memory of Greed by Al BoudreauPrior to reading Al Boudreau's In Memory of Greed, I knew to expect three things. It was a thriller, at least some part of it took place in Africa, and big business played a dynamic role in the plot. All were true, but much to my surprise, the premise touched on an issue that impacts my life everyday.I am one of the growing numbers of Americans who in recent years have developed intolerance to the gluten in wheat. Unlike its cousin Celiac's Disease, which blames a specific European gene, this form of gluten intolerance seems to point another genetic origin indicated using the same tests used for transplant patients in determining the chances of organ rejection.Medical researchers highly suspect that this gluten may very well be the reason for the sudden epidemic of childhood obesity and diabetes. A couple of years ago, I was honored to have a chance to learn a great deal from a Doctor on the east coast who is currently in the process of further proving this phenomenon. His research, along with others into human haplo types are proving more valuable each day in determining answers to a great many mysteries, both medical and historic.The current rise in American gluten intolerance correlates with the recent widespread use of genetically engineered grains grown today. In the not too distant past we grew many strains of wheat, today we are down to six or seven types. The sales pitch is easy. The farmers purchase these seeds understanding that they are more resilient than their natural counterparts. In fact, these seeds are superior in the fields as they are more resistant to drought, and other pestilent.With this in mind, Mr. Boudreau's novel takes on personal significance. Most of us are not immune to the many tales of megalomaniacs that fill our history books. However, in our modern society we deny they can and do exist. We live our day to day lives under a false pretense of beliefs that suggest our society is far too advanced, and complex for such an individual to succeed.Al Boudreau removes this comfortable smoke screen. In his fascinating thriller, Al weaves a web that might just have you believing, a power hungry maniac could achieve his wildest dreams and make it a reality, easier now than ever before. Oh, by the way, oil is too obvious. Our food supply is a much better choice.The author spares nothing in this intelligent web of greed. It is a fascinating story that only proves our vulnerability. The journey is awesome. The characters are believable, and well developed. In Memory of Greed will keep your eyes glued to the text, and your body on the edge of your seat.My hats off to the informed author for offering phenomenally well written and designed plot about a very critical and timely subject.Disclosure: I purchased, and read In Memory of Greed, without any prior arrangement with the author.