Resurrecting Bart

An animal with near magical powers is brought back from extinction, but at what cost?

Anthropologist Claire Knowland discovers DNA from a species the world has never seen before. Now, she faces an unprecedented opportunity: resurrecting an extinct elephant with near-supernatural abilities, but the project spirals into an ethical minefield as her team realizes the world may not be ready for this animal’s very different form of intelligence, and that they have an obligation to protect him from those who covet his powers.

Bringing ancient beings back to life attracts dangerous attention. As powerful forces conspire to seize control of their extraordinary creation, Claire and her team must defend the elephant—affably nicknamed Bart—who never asked to be reborn into the chaos of the twenty-first century.

Enemies conspire to use the de-extinct species’ powers for their own gain. Ultimately, circumstances force Bart to become aware of the perils of his situation, and his preternatural powers turn out to be the key to saving those around him, and his taking control of his destiny.

From the author who challenged our understanding of evolution in Deep Past comes a provocative sci-fi thriller that blends realistic, cutting-edge science, globe-spanning intrigue, and profound moral conundrums.

Perfect for fans of Michael Crichton and Douglas Preston, this thought-provoking science fiction action thriller explores the ethical boundaries of genetic engineering and de-extinction—and the price we pay when we cross them.

The discussion questions were provided by the author.

Book club questions for Resurrecting Bart by Eugene Linden

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

If nature could invent high intelligence once in a blink of a geologic eye, is it possible that over time other intelligent creatures have come and gone (also the major theme of Deep Past)?

If humanity had disappeared 100,000 years ago, would there be any evidence that an intelligent species once inhabited the planet?

Are there other forms of intelligence besides ours?

Western intelligence tends to break the world down into objects and the force that act on them. What would an intelligence that grew out of the understanding and manipulation of waves look like?
Is there a science that explains esp, action at a distance, and remote viewing?
Can quantum reality tell us about alternative forms of intelligence?

What are the moral implications of bringing back an extinct, highly intelligent creature?

How might well-meaning people give such a creature a decent life?

The perils of celebrity. How can one prevent the resurrection of a highly intelligent creature from becoming the sensational center of a freak show?

How would you protect Bart from those who covet his powers?

Are there discoveries that are too disruptive to be made public?

Are there any safe havens remaining on our crowded planet?

Is it possible to maintain the sacred in a world dominated by our consumer society?

How different types of intelligence might influence our posture towards the natural world?

Are we doomed by the nature of our intelligence to unsustainably exploit nature?

Resurrecting Bart Book Club Questions PDF

Click here for a printable PDF of the Resurrecting Bart discussion questions

“An excellent thriller with real meat on the bones . . . makes you think as well as sweat.” —Lee Child, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of the Jack Reacher series

“An extraordinary novel on so many levels . . . One of those rare novels that bends (if not blows) the mind with deep and compelling ideas about consciousness, intelligence, and our place in the world.” —Douglas Preston, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of The Lost City of the Monkey God

“A fascinating thriller . . . Linden does a masterly job of integrating intriguing speculative science into a page-turning plot.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“An immersive tale that is both intellectually enlivening and genuinely entertaining.” —Kirkus Reviews