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The Science of Orphan Black: The Official Companion
An official guide to the crazy science of Orphan Black
Delve deeper into the scientific terms and theories at the core of the Peabody-winning, cult favourite show. With exclusive insights from the show’s co-creator Graeme Manson and science consultant Cosima Herter, The Science of Orphan Black takes you behind the closed doors of the Dyad Institute and inside Neolution. Authors Casey Griffin and Nina Nesseth decode the mysteries of Orphan Black — from the history of cloning, epigenetics, synthetic biology, chimerism, the real diseases on which the clone disease is based, and the transhumanist philosophies of Neolution, to what exactly happens when a projectile pencil is shot through a person’s eye and into their brain.
Delve deeper into the scientific terms and theories at the core of the Peabody-winning, cult favourite show. With exclusive insights from the show’s co-creator Graeme Manson and science consultant Cosima Herter, The Science of Orphan Black takes you behind the closed doors of the Dyad Institute and inside Neolution. Authors Casey Griffin and Nina Nesseth decode the mysteries of Orphan Black — from the history of cloning, epigenetics, synthetic biology, chimerism, the real diseases on which the clone disease is based, and the transhumanist philosophies of Neolution, to what exactly happens when a projectile pencil is shot through a person’s eye and into their brain.
303 pages, Paperback
Published August 22, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 5, 2017
I’m not all that comfortable with our tendency these days to label or ask if a piece of media is “feminist”. I don’t think that’s the right way to be looking at or critiquing media. All media are ultimately creations of our society and therefore contain threads of the implicit biases within our society. Rather than trying to decide if something is or is not feminist, as a whole work, we should be critiquing it through a feminist lens.
But damn, if Orphan Black is not a feminist show, I don’t know what is.
As much as I could rave about this show, of course, this is a review rather of a companion book: The Science of Orphan Black. I saw this on NetGalley a few days after the series finale aired, and I had to request it, even though it had already been released. As it is, I’m probably going to buy a copy at some point—the final chapter and certain details in the e-ARC are blacked out, I assume because they contain spoilers for the last season—because this is a cool coffee-table-style tie-in book. In addition to the writing, it is gorgeously designed and features great photos and quotes from the show.
I’ve always liked how Orphan Black tries to stay as grounded with the science as possible for a show about adult human clones. Casey Griffin and Nina Nesseth obviously like it too, because they’ve done a fabulous job examining the various facets of the science of this show. They pick apart how the show approaches cloning, distinguishing between what’s science fiction and what’s science fact. They also examine the ethics of the science, both in the real world and in the way that Orphan Black treats with this topic. Overall, this is a very complete, well-rounded look at these parts of the series.
The book almost parallels the way the show’s awareness and depth of its approach to science develops over the seasons. Griffin and Nesseth begin by teaching us the basics of human cloning at a cellular level. They explain how scientists first went about cloning whole organisms, and why human cloning might be difficult (not to mention, you know, ethically problematic). They point out the missing pieces of the puzzle that weren’t available in the 1980s when Project Leda was up and running, conjecturing what the Duncans must have solved on their own in order to make human cloning successful back then.
From there, Griffin and Nesseth dig into the science surrounding clones. They talk nature versus nurture, heritable diseases, and explain how Leda and Castor lines can come from a single donor. I loved this last chapter, because while Cosima mentions a chimera onscreen, Griffin and Nesseth have the time to go into much more detail about how this works on a genetic level. The chapter on Rachel’s brain injury was also fascinating. Again, it’s lovely to learn how much the show got right, and the effort made by the showrunners, crew, and of course, Tatiana Maslany.
I was already giving mad kudos to Maslany, Manson, Fawcett, et al, and this book really just enhances my appreciation of everything they did to pull this off. They managed to take a show about women who are (more or less) genetically identical and present us with more than a handful of diverse, differentiated, interesting female characters. I’m not sure what it says about our society that one of the shows with the best representation of women on TV right now has them all played by the same actor … regardless, Griffin and Nesseth point out how, as the show goes on, it grapples with deeper and richer questions in science.
In this way, I think The Science of Orphan Black also helps readers understand how science is stratified. There’s very surface-level inquiry, like “how do I measure this, how do I microscope?” and then there are deeper questions, like “how do I introduce gene therapy into my germ-line cells??” Parallel to these run the ethical considerations. Is it a good idea to clone people? What are the legal ramifications for personhood? Although this book doesn’t engage deeply with these debates, it highlights where the show introduces them and also provides an historical background, such as when they talk about the origins of eugenics.
The book concludes with a transcript conversation between Manson and Cosima’s namesake, science consultant Cosima Herter. This provides so much insight into the genesis of Orphan Black and how Manson hammered out the direction and ethos for the show, with input from people like Herter.
The Science of Orphan Black is an insightful, well-written, must-read for anyone who is a fan of the show and its approaches to science. I miss the Clone Club already (though that series finale was one of the best I’ve ever seen), but it was nice to dip back into that universe, in a very scientific way.
But damn, if Orphan Black is not a feminist show, I don’t know what is.
As much as I could rave about this show, of course, this is a review rather of a companion book: The Science of Orphan Black. I saw this on NetGalley a few days after the series finale aired, and I had to request it, even though it had already been released. As it is, I’m probably going to buy a copy at some point—the final chapter and certain details in the e-ARC are blacked out, I assume because they contain spoilers for the last season—because this is a cool coffee-table-style tie-in book. In addition to the writing, it is gorgeously designed and features great photos and quotes from the show.
I’ve always liked how Orphan Black tries to stay as grounded with the science as possible for a show about adult human clones. Casey Griffin and Nina Nesseth obviously like it too, because they’ve done a fabulous job examining the various facets of the science of this show. They pick apart how the show approaches cloning, distinguishing between what’s science fiction and what’s science fact. They also examine the ethics of the science, both in the real world and in the way that Orphan Black treats with this topic. Overall, this is a very complete, well-rounded look at these parts of the series.
The book almost parallels the way the show’s awareness and depth of its approach to science develops over the seasons. Griffin and Nesseth begin by teaching us the basics of human cloning at a cellular level. They explain how scientists first went about cloning whole organisms, and why human cloning might be difficult (not to mention, you know, ethically problematic). They point out the missing pieces of the puzzle that weren’t available in the 1980s when Project Leda was up and running, conjecturing what the Duncans must have solved on their own in order to make human cloning successful back then.
From there, Griffin and Nesseth dig into the science surrounding clones. They talk nature versus nurture, heritable diseases, and explain how Leda and Castor lines can come from a single donor. I loved this last chapter, because while Cosima mentions a chimera onscreen, Griffin and Nesseth have the time to go into much more detail about how this works on a genetic level. The chapter on Rachel’s brain injury was also fascinating. Again, it’s lovely to learn how much the show got right, and the effort made by the showrunners, crew, and of course, Tatiana Maslany.
I was already giving mad kudos to Maslany, Manson, Fawcett, et al, and this book really just enhances my appreciation of everything they did to pull this off. They managed to take a show about women who are (more or less) genetically identical and present us with more than a handful of diverse, differentiated, interesting female characters. I’m not sure what it says about our society that one of the shows with the best representation of women on TV right now has them all played by the same actor … regardless, Griffin and Nesseth point out how, as the show goes on, it grapples with deeper and richer questions in science.
In this way, I think The Science of Orphan Black also helps readers understand how science is stratified. There’s very surface-level inquiry, like “how do I measure this, how do I microscope?” and then there are deeper questions, like “how do I introduce gene therapy into my germ-line cells??” Parallel to these run the ethical considerations. Is it a good idea to clone people? What are the legal ramifications for personhood? Although this book doesn’t engage deeply with these debates, it highlights where the show introduces them and also provides an historical background, such as when they talk about the origins of eugenics.
The book concludes with a transcript conversation between Manson and Cosima’s namesake, science consultant Cosima Herter. This provides so much insight into the genesis of Orphan Black and how Manson hammered out the direction and ethos for the show, with input from people like Herter.
The Science of Orphan Black is an insightful, well-written, must-read for anyone who is a fan of the show and its approaches to science. I miss the Clone Club already (though that series finale was one of the best I’ve ever seen), but it was nice to dip back into that universe, in a very scientific way.
August 22, 2017
The Science of Orphan Black a sublime five-star read. This is a companion novel and that’s something I haven’t really read before, but this one intrigued me as I loved Orphan Black and was raving about it when it first came out and kept telling people they had to watch it. The science behind it all has always fascinated me as I am a total science nerd, and I had some ideas about how it all worked and was always trying to figure stuff out before it was revealed, and this book blew my mind.
It’s a total Nerdvana you can get to grips with the science in the comfort of where ever you are reading. You can learn more about the Dyad institute and also the history and theories behind the science. If you enjoyed the series you will love the book. I even loved the way the book is set out, revealing more with every page. If you like science you will love this and if you like orphan black you will love this!! I loved it so much I have the e-book but I plan on buying the paperback as well, just to see if its set any differently.
It’s a total Nerdvana you can get to grips with the science in the comfort of where ever you are reading. You can learn more about the Dyad institute and also the history and theories behind the science. If you enjoyed the series you will love the book. I even loved the way the book is set out, revealing more with every page. If you like science you will love this and if you like orphan black you will love this!! I loved it so much I have the e-book but I plan on buying the paperback as well, just to see if its set any differently.
October 14, 2017
3.5 Stars
Full review to come!
Full review to come!
January 26, 2018
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommended to any "Orphan Black" fan who's interested in the science of the show.
As a neurobiologist, many of the basic scientific facts detailed in the book were known to me. However, I discovered many new things, and broaden by knowledge regarding many subjects touched in the book. Moreover, the original and detailed though the writers dedicated to many scientific subjects in "Orphan Black" was mesmerizing and made me think about aspects I didn't consider before.
I am not sure how well understood all of the concepts in the book will be to those without scientific knowledge - mainly because they are explained very rapidly. However, partly due to other comments about the book, I believe it will be a fun and interesting read even for non-scientists.
My main problem with the book is that it spent as much time discussing cloning, the main concept in the show, as stuff much less crucial to the show - like Rachel's brain injury.
Similarly, most of the "Case studies" of different clones, found in each of the chapters, were highly unrelated to the core of the science in the series. They were interesting, but I don't understand why to include them instead of devoting more space to discuss cloning or genetic engineering.
Moreover, I feel like talking about Marijuana in Cosima's case study is a weird choice, with her having so many interesting aspects.
Apart from that, I was bothered by two main points:
* I felt the part about Marijuana and it's medical use was biased. Although I agree Marijuana is a great medicine for pain and nausea relief, as well as anxiety, as far as I know most studies so far have indicated Marijuana does not have other medical benefits in many diseases.
* When talking about Kira's "psychics" abilities, they mention they will not try to scientifically explain them, because they can't. That's true, and I respect it. However, they go on saying Kira represent how you can't explain everything with science, which is a message I definitely don't agree with. Of course current scientific theories and finding can't explain every phenomena in the world. However, the reason for this is not because it can't, but because it can't yet.
P.S. one point about the clone disease which was not mentioned in the book but bothered me - if the clone disease is prion based, how can you cure it with gene therapy? you can silence the expression of the misfolded protein, but the "old" prions will change the new healthy proteins into disease inducing proteins.
As a neurobiologist, many of the basic scientific facts detailed in the book were known to me. However, I discovered many new things, and broaden by knowledge regarding many subjects touched in the book. Moreover, the original and detailed though the writers dedicated to many scientific subjects in "Orphan Black" was mesmerizing and made me think about aspects I didn't consider before.
I am not sure how well understood all of the concepts in the book will be to those without scientific knowledge - mainly because they are explained very rapidly. However, partly due to other comments about the book, I believe it will be a fun and interesting read even for non-scientists.
My main problem with the book is that it spent as much time discussing cloning, the main concept in the show, as stuff much less crucial to the show - like Rachel's brain injury.
Similarly, most of the "Case studies" of different clones, found in each of the chapters, were highly unrelated to the core of the science in the series. They were interesting, but I don't understand why to include them instead of devoting more space to discuss cloning or genetic engineering.
Moreover, I feel like talking about Marijuana in Cosima's case study is a weird choice, with her having so many interesting aspects.
Apart from that, I was bothered by two main points:
* I felt the part about Marijuana and it's medical use was biased. Although I agree Marijuana is a great medicine for pain and nausea relief, as well as anxiety, as far as I know most studies so far have indicated Marijuana does not have other medical benefits in many diseases.
* When talking about Kira's "psychics" abilities, they mention they will not try to scientifically explain them, because they can't. That's true, and I respect it. However, they go on saying Kira represent how you can't explain everything with science, which is a message I definitely don't agree with. Of course current scientific theories and finding can't explain every phenomena in the world. However, the reason for this is not because it can't, but because it can't yet.
P.S. one point about the clone disease which was not mentioned in the book but bothered me - if the clone disease is prion based, how can you cure it with gene therapy? you can silence the expression of the misfolded protein, but the "old" prions will change the new healthy proteins into disease inducing proteins.
February 8, 2019
Made me appreciate the show so much more. I learned a lot about the science behind the show. Definite must for all Clone Club members out there.
August 15, 2017
Reading Challenge 2017: a book with multiple authors
Thanks to ECW Press for the ARC via Edelweiss!
Wonderful book! I love reading about our girls and understanding a bit more of all the science behind the story. The research for this project is pretty impressive. I'm gonna miss Orphan Black! ♥
Thanks to ECW Press for the ARC via Edelweiss!
Wonderful book! I love reading about our girls and understanding a bit more of all the science behind the story. The research for this project is pretty impressive. I'm gonna miss Orphan Black! ♥
September 17, 2017
Good but I preferred Gregory E. Pence’s What We Talk About When We Talk About Clone Club: Bioethics and Philosophy in Orphan Black.
I liked The Science of Orphan Black. It encompasses a broader scope than Gregory E. Pence’s What We Talk About When We Talk About Clone Club: Bioethics and Philosophy in Orphan Black. The latter only discussed cloning, but did it extremely well. While not as much fun to read, The Science of Orphan Black did cover a broader range of topics and it clarifies some of the shows plot lines although that is not the intent. The books are sufficiently different that both are worth reading, but if you are only going to read one, then I recommend Pence’s.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley for review purposes.
I liked The Science of Orphan Black. It encompasses a broader scope than Gregory E. Pence’s What We Talk About When We Talk About Clone Club: Bioethics and Philosophy in Orphan Black. The latter only discussed cloning, but did it extremely well. While not as much fun to read, The Science of Orphan Black did cover a broader range of topics and it clarifies some of the shows plot lines although that is not the intent. The books are sufficiently different that both are worth reading, but if you are only going to read one, then I recommend Pence’s.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley for review purposes.
June 20, 2018
Orphan Black was a science fiction TV show that aired 50 episodes over 5 seasons from 2013 to 2017. It was about a group of human clones who had been raised apart and have only recently discovered each other and that they are part of an ongoing scientific experiment. The show dealt with themes of medical ethics, identity, autonomy, and similar issues. The hook for me was that all the female clones are played by one Canadian actress, Tatiana Maslany, and she was superb. Every character was different and fully believable. The plot sometimes got very confusing, particularly in the middle seasons, with various evil organizations fighting for control of the clones for ends that were not always clear. This book, written by a scientist and a science journalist who were fans of the show, looks at the science that underpins the series.
The basic thrust of the book is that Orphan Black was more realistic in its portrayal of science than many science fiction TV shows. In that context, the book explains some of the scientific concepts behind cloning, genetic diseases, brain injuries, and other topics that arise on the show. The explanations are clear, although they can get technical (it's hard to escape the terminology that comes along with biological science). The authors tie these concepts to events and characters from the show. The authors reveal certain plot points because they're important in explaining the concepts, so if you haven't seen the show and want to, you may want to avoid this book until you're done watching. You may enjoy the book if you haven't seen the show, but I suspect the show references won't make much sense. Although written by fans, I did appreciate that the book doesn't shy away from pointing out where the writers took liberties with the science in the name of driving the plot.
I was going to give the book two stars, but there's a section at the end that is a combination interview and dialogue between the show's science consultant and its co-creator that was really interesting. They discuss the themes of each season and some of the larger issues that they hope the series raised. That section alone earned the book another star.
The basic thrust of the book is that Orphan Black was more realistic in its portrayal of science than many science fiction TV shows. In that context, the book explains some of the scientific concepts behind cloning, genetic diseases, brain injuries, and other topics that arise on the show. The explanations are clear, although they can get technical (it's hard to escape the terminology that comes along with biological science). The authors tie these concepts to events and characters from the show. The authors reveal certain plot points because they're important in explaining the concepts, so if you haven't seen the show and want to, you may want to avoid this book until you're done watching. You may enjoy the book if you haven't seen the show, but I suspect the show references won't make much sense. Although written by fans, I did appreciate that the book doesn't shy away from pointing out where the writers took liberties with the science in the name of driving the plot.
I was going to give the book two stars, but there's a section at the end that is a combination interview and dialogue between the show's science consultant and its co-creator that was really interesting. They discuss the themes of each season and some of the larger issues that they hope the series raised. That section alone earned the book another star.
July 13, 2019
Orphan Black was one of my favourite shows on television. Running from 2013-2017 it was a Canadian show about a young woman named Sarah Manning who discovers she is one of over two hundred clones. The show follows Sarah learning and meeting the other clones (later referred to as sisters) as she and her investigate the scientists and organization that created them and fight for their autonomy.
I loved the show now only for it's Canadian background but that it featured strong and complex female characters and that for a show so involved in scientific experimentation and theory that it never went over the audiences heads. I may not have always been able to understand every science term Cosima spouted out in her lab, but I got the jist of it because the Orphan Black creators made sure to make a show that would interest audiences in both plot and science.
Luckily once the show ended we were gifted with this book by science ladies Casey Griffin and Nina Nesseth. Like with the show, Griffin and Nesseth explain science used in the show (The Science of Orphan Black if you will, HA!) who go into the biology, chemistry, and other fun science stuff in a way that's easy to understand. Griffin and Nesseth talk about how most of the science in Orphan Black is very real (though slightly more advanced in terms of when people in the show discovered these things versus our own timeline) and how the science used in the show has been used in our world and in some cases how it affects our biology. Liking science in high school but not being a wiz at it, The Science of Orphan Black was a nice review of certain science lessons and a great way back into it with a show I really love.
For anyone who liked science class in high school but has been hesitant to read a science related book in case they might not understand, then this book is for you. Griffin and Nesseth make an enjoyable and accessible book that's a perfect companion to the show, and while you're at it go watch Orphan Black. What are you waiting for?!
I loved the show now only for it's Canadian background but that it featured strong and complex female characters and that for a show so involved in scientific experimentation and theory that it never went over the audiences heads. I may not have always been able to understand every science term Cosima spouted out in her lab, but I got the jist of it because the Orphan Black creators made sure to make a show that would interest audiences in both plot and science.
Luckily once the show ended we were gifted with this book by science ladies Casey Griffin and Nina Nesseth. Like with the show, Griffin and Nesseth explain science used in the show (The Science of Orphan Black if you will, HA!) who go into the biology, chemistry, and other fun science stuff in a way that's easy to understand. Griffin and Nesseth talk about how most of the science in Orphan Black is very real (though slightly more advanced in terms of when people in the show discovered these things versus our own timeline) and how the science used in the show has been used in our world and in some cases how it affects our biology. Liking science in high school but not being a wiz at it, The Science of Orphan Black was a nice review of certain science lessons and a great way back into it with a show I really love.
For anyone who liked science class in high school but has been hesitant to read a science related book in case they might not understand, then this book is for you. Griffin and Nesseth make an enjoyable and accessible book that's a perfect companion to the show, and while you're at it go watch Orphan Black. What are you waiting for?!
January 22, 2021
"The message in Orphan Black has always been clear: science and progress, even with the intent of bettering the human race, should never outstrip marginalized groups’ rights to their own bodies. Humans have historically allowed for oppression in the name of progress. Orphan Black is a call to refuse this oppression and to push back."
"Yanis’s transformation into a “monster” is a classic example of a gene whose regulation has gone awry: uncontrollable growths, cognitive changes and deficits, and a plethora of medical issues beyond treatment. And Yanis’s years of scientific torture illustrate just how necessary are the rules, codes, protocols, and laws in place today regarding research involving human subjects or human samples. His storyline is a manifestation of many of the themes that run through all five seasons of Orphan Black — those of autonomy, the boundaries of ethical science, and the vital refrain of
“my biology, my
decision.”"
"science aspires to speak to and uncover something called truth, and engineering aspires to a construct that is simply a sum of its parts, we look at a body as a kind of machine that can be “fixed,” improved on, rebuilt according to particular specifications for order; the commercialization and profit-driven machinations of industrialized reproductive capacities; the aesthetics of designer babies; the limitations (and the public’s hopes and expectations) of gene therapy, and germline manipulations; socially constructed values of desire and how that affects consumer-driven choices; the tangled mess between definitions of scientific success and failure; the unreliability of technology and technological interventions into living systems that are barely understood; and, of course, issues of consent."
"impossible to know, let alone predict, what the future may hold. The future is an undetermined,
unpredictable, and contingent temporal-spatial environment that we really have no control over — despite our best efforts and most concerted attempts to control it."
"Yanis’s transformation into a “monster” is a classic example of a gene whose regulation has gone awry: uncontrollable growths, cognitive changes and deficits, and a plethora of medical issues beyond treatment. And Yanis’s years of scientific torture illustrate just how necessary are the rules, codes, protocols, and laws in place today regarding research involving human subjects or human samples. His storyline is a manifestation of many of the themes that run through all five seasons of Orphan Black — those of autonomy, the boundaries of ethical science, and the vital refrain of
“my biology, my
decision.”"
"science aspires to speak to and uncover something called truth, and engineering aspires to a construct that is simply a sum of its parts, we look at a body as a kind of machine that can be “fixed,” improved on, rebuilt according to particular specifications for order; the commercialization and profit-driven machinations of industrialized reproductive capacities; the aesthetics of designer babies; the limitations (and the public’s hopes and expectations) of gene therapy, and germline manipulations; socially constructed values of desire and how that affects consumer-driven choices; the tangled mess between definitions of scientific success and failure; the unreliability of technology and technological interventions into living systems that are barely understood; and, of course, issues of consent."
"impossible to know, let alone predict, what the future may hold. The future is an undetermined,
unpredictable, and contingent temporal-spatial environment that we really have no control over — despite our best efforts and most concerted attempts to control it."
December 11, 2020
I don’t typically review non-fiction books on here, but this WAS a CanCon 2019 book. Also, Nina’s great and you should definitely go follow her over on twitter @cestmabiologie.
I just rewatched Orphan Black, so everything this book talks about was really fresh in my mind, which helped me follow the references and the science really closely. Generally, I found the book to be really interesting, both for its look at the actual scientific basis for the various elements in Orphan Black, but also for the ethical implications of it all.
There’s a good mix of everything in this book, and it definitely helped me understand some of the complicated elements of the latter seasons of the show, which in my opinion became somewhat harder to follow as they went on. It’s also nice to see everything all linked together and laid out well.
The combination of hard science explanation (which I found easy to follow, though some I had prior understanding of) and insight into the show through some of the people involved in running it is really great. It made me want to rewatch the show again, which I don’t have time for but WISH I DID.
If you’re a fan of the show, I definitely recommend picking this one up!
I just rewatched Orphan Black, so everything this book talks about was really fresh in my mind, which helped me follow the references and the science really closely. Generally, I found the book to be really interesting, both for its look at the actual scientific basis for the various elements in Orphan Black, but also for the ethical implications of it all.
There’s a good mix of everything in this book, and it definitely helped me understand some of the complicated elements of the latter seasons of the show, which in my opinion became somewhat harder to follow as they went on. It’s also nice to see everything all linked together and laid out well.
The combination of hard science explanation (which I found easy to follow, though some I had prior understanding of) and insight into the show through some of the people involved in running it is really great. It made me want to rewatch the show again, which I don’t have time for but WISH I DID.
If you’re a fan of the show, I definitely recommend picking this one up!
January 7, 2018
Whew, this book. There is a lot of science talk in this book (DUH) and the way that it is written and explained makes it easy to understand and comprehend. I enjoyed it very much and I loved the parts of the book with Clone Club questions as well as Case Studies on specific clones. The case studies do not talk about the clone as much as they talk about something scientific relating to the clone. For example Alison’s Case Study talks about dopamine, Cosima’s about marijuana, Beth’s about prescription drugs, Tony’s about hormonal injections, etc.
There is also a handy glossary in the back that was nice. Also the paper itself is really nice. It’s a nice paperweight and bright white, plus the photos are printed in color too!
I thought I would enjoy the interview between Real Cosima and Graeme Manson but I found it a little boring tbh. Real Cosima doesn’t seem as cool as My Cosima, lol.
There is also a handy glossary in the back that was nice. Also the paper itself is really nice. It’s a nice paperweight and bright white, plus the photos are printed in color too!
I thought I would enjoy the interview between Real Cosima and Graeme Manson but I found it a little boring tbh. Real Cosima doesn’t seem as cool as My Cosima, lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2018
This was way more science-y than I expected it to be and as someone who is very bad at science (I failed year ten physics, nearly failed year ten biology and yet did weirdly well at year ten chemistry. Which is pretty much the story of my entire formal education) I spent a lot of it just... sort of vaguely confused. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I didn't enjoy it! I really did! But I'm going to be very forthright in saying if this wasn't connected to Orphan Black than I wouldn't have made it through.
So. A must for Clone Club. Even the non science-y ones because the science is deeply woven in the mythos of Orphan Black. But the science-y fans might get it way more and not have to refer to the glossary of terms at the back as often to figure out what they're reading.
Definitely for a fan.
So. A must for Clone Club. Even the non science-y ones because the science is deeply woven in the mythos of Orphan Black. But the science-y fans might get it way more and not have to refer to the glossary of terms at the back as often to figure out what they're reading.
Definitely for a fan.
August 21, 2018
“Human relationships to and with concepts of life, nature, technology, sex, reproduction, and so on, are profoundly saturated with ideological and philosophical negotiations of hierarchy and control, morality and liberty, contestations between natural and artificial, determinism and chance, life and death.” This excerpt from the book, taken from a conversation between the creators of the show, really captures what Orphan Black is all about. The show is amazing and thought-provoking and this book made me appreciate it even more. It’s definitely a must-read even for people who haven’t seen the show. It introduces and explains difficult scientific concepts around our own biology and the ethical, political, social and moral issues that goes along with it.
May 23, 2019
This. was. fascinating. Orphan Black is one of my favourite shows, so naturally I had to read all about the science behind it. For example, did you know that the reason Kendall Malone had the DNA for both Leda and Castor is because she's a chimera, which means she absorbed her twin in the womb and thus carries both sets of DNA? The show explains that. BUT did you know that such a person can give birth to children that may genetically be considered her absorbed sibling's children? Like I said, fascinating. Join Clone Club and read all about the science. Cosima would be proud!
February 17, 2018
I’d recommend this book only if you’re really really into the TV show and also into science. It was entertaining and it satisfied some of the curiosity I had left after watching the five seasons of the show. However, sometimes I found it a bit dry and also the interview at the end would be much better in a video format in my opinion.
November 29, 2017
I love Orphan Black just as a show, but learning about the real life science was awesome. I am a little dumb to my own biology, but since I read this book I actually got involved with 23andme. The results are not in yet, but I just love the information your DNA can tell.
April 12, 2018
A fascinating exploration of the science found in Orphan Black! I learned so much from reading this book. The technical jargon was presented in a way that was easy to understand. I especially enjoyed the Clone Club Q&A section as well as the Case Studies section.
May 21, 2020
Most of the science of Orphan Black went over my head when watching the show. The book discusses the fact that cloning as well as other things shown or mentioned on the show fall into the science category over fiction in the sci fi genre.
September 3, 2017
An absolute must-read for clone clubbers interested in the nitty gritty of how Orphan Black's scientific world works.
December 4, 2017
This book is a great mix of the show and real facts. I can recommend it to everyone who wants to get more behind the scenes and reality.
January 10, 2018
Oh my God, science is fricking awesome!
February 16, 2019
3.5-4/5
December 25, 2019
How Can i read it?
June 14, 2020
Very well written. Easy to understand, even for non-native English speakers
January 15, 2021
uma nerdice que eu amo e sempre amarei
Just one. I'm a few, no family too. Who am I?
Just one. I'm a few, no family too. Who am I?
Read
November 22, 2021This was a really great read!
June 10, 2025
Some of it was just recap of the show but I really liked how they used quotes and the way they explained the science concepts!
February 24, 2019
If God Exists, It'd be proud of this book...
Ah-mazing. Just plain beautiful. It solves all the important questions of the OB show (scientific ones and some regarding inspiration points (e.g. the written works that were used for the titles of all seasons episodes), it doesn't go too deep into ethics, though), plus it's challeging enough of us, illeterates of biology.
Chapter one and two were exquisite. Definitely worth reading more than once. I'll rewatch the show after this. :v
What We Talk About When Talk About Clone Club is also a very good choice for the fans (though this one deals equally with the science and ethics) and for science enthusiasts.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SECOND READING: As good as it gets. Awesome book. Now the terms, concepts and definitions are a lot more clear to me. Definitely worth reading it again before rewatching the show.
Also, I must check out a couple of things I've highlighted.
I only found one mistake (the lack of a period at the end of a sentence) which is quite impressive. (As far as I can recall, in a period of maybe four years there hasn't been a book I've read that hasn't had at least one mistake (grammar, typo, orthography, etc...).)
Ah-mazing. Just plain beautiful. It solves all the important questions of the OB show (scientific ones and some regarding inspiration points (e.g. the written works that were used for the titles of all seasons episodes), it doesn't go too deep into ethics, though), plus it's challeging enough of us, illeterates of biology.
Chapter one and two were exquisite. Definitely worth reading more than once. I'll rewatch the show after this. :v
What We Talk About When Talk About Clone Club is also a very good choice for the fans (though this one deals equally with the science and ethics) and for science enthusiasts.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SECOND READING: As good as it gets. Awesome book. Now the terms, concepts and definitions are a lot more clear to me. Definitely worth reading it again before rewatching the show.
Also, I must check out a couple of things I've highlighted.
I only found one mistake (the lack of a period at the end of a sentence) which is quite impressive. (As far as I can recall, in a period of maybe four years there hasn't been a book I've read that hasn't had at least one mistake (grammar, typo, orthography, etc...).)
October 26, 2017
Orphan Black is one of my favourite TV shows, and I'm bummed that it's over. I picked up The Science of Orphan Black at FanExpo this summer, and had the opportunity to talk a bit with one of the authors. So I was super excited to dive into this book - and I wasn't disappointed.
This book is really well thought out and researched, and super easy to read without a science background. It's packed full of fascinating nuggets about the show, and makes you realize just how brilliant this show really was. I'm now in the mood to re-watch, now that I'm aware of all these extra tidbits. If you're a fan of the show, I highly recommend giving The Science of Orphan Black a read.
This book is really well thought out and researched, and super easy to read without a science background. It's packed full of fascinating nuggets about the show, and makes you realize just how brilliant this show really was. I'm now in the mood to re-watch, now that I'm aware of all these extra tidbits. If you're a fan of the show, I highly recommend giving The Science of Orphan Black a read.
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