Credit: Melbourne University Press

On the unveiling of the first map of the human genome, then-President Bill Clinton commented, "Today we are learning the language in which God created life."

A palpable sense of promise coursed through the world science community. The mystery of disease was about to be unravelled. Now, 10 years into the brave new revolution, it's time for a first accounting.

If you are shrewd enough to read Elizabeth Finkel's thrilling new book, you will learn that God apparently has a sense of humour, for the lexicon of life often reads like hieroglyphics. This book is your translator and guide, filled with tales of disappointment and discovery about what it means to be human - the drama of science.

Most impressively, as we move into the heart of the genomic revolution, Finkel provides a guide as to where the human race is headed. This book is an accomplished work of scientific literacy.