Review: ‘The Code Breaker’, The Story of CRISPR & Gene Editing
Walter Isaacson has cemented his reputation as one of the premier biographers of our time, masterfully chronicling the lives of innovators like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk. In The Code Breaker, he turns his narrative skill from tech titans to a revolution of a different kind: the dawning of the age of gene editing. The book centers on Nobel laureate Jennifer Doudna and the discovery of CRISPR, a tool that allows us to rewrite the code of life itself.
The subject matter is undeniably complicated. Delving into the world of RNA and gene-splicing could easily become dense and inaccessible. However, Isaacson does a brilliant job of explaining the science. Much like the reader, he is not a scientist, and he uses this perspective to his advantage. He asks the questions we would ask, breaking down complex biological processes into understandable concepts and compelling stories of discovery, competition, and collaboration.
The book is at its best when it connects this groundbreaking science to relatable, real-world events. The narrative’s pivot to the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, brings an immediate and urgent relevance to the story. Watching the scientists Isaacson has introduced us to apply their CRISPR knowledge to the race for diagnostics and vaccines makes the abstract science feel tangible and intensely personal.
Ultimately, The Code Breaker leaves the reader contemplating the profound, and at times truly unfathomable, impact gene editing could have on the future of our society. The potential to cure genetic diseases like sickle cell anemia is weighed against the immense ethical questions surrounding “designer babies” and permanent alterations to the human gene pool.
This ability to weave together intricate science, human drama, and monumental ethical questions showcases exactly why Isaacson is one of the best nonfiction writers today. He doesn’t just tell you about a scientific discovery; he makes you understand its power and grapple with its consequences for all of humanity.
