In the Field

Pastan (Lady of the Snakes) delivers an inspiring story of triumph against the odds in a historical based loosely on the life of Nobel-winning scientist Barbara McClintock. Kate Croft is the black sheep of her family—she’s more interested in college than boyfriends­—and after she enrolls in a biology 101 class her freshman year, the question of “how we come to be the way we are” sets her on course for a lifetime of scientific inquiry. Guided by her vexing mentor at Cornell, she chooses to study the genetics of maize. As her career blossoms, Croft is crushed and then angered by the repeated intellectual thefts committed by her male colleagues. Nonetheless, she perseveres. Alliances and romances with other women are a balm, but they also bring conflict, as Croft confronts a choice between love and ambition. Pastan makes a spirited character study out of Croft’s doggedness and triumph, and describes various complex scientific concepts with aplomb. This swift story educates as much as it excites. Agent: Gail Hochman, Brandt & Hochman Literary. (Aug.)