Review of The Goose That Laid the Golden Egg

The Goose That Laid the Golden Egg

Doug Bremner

Night Publishing 2011

Ebook Edition

   In 2001 Hoffman-La Roche was selling billions in the new drug, Accutane, for the treatment of severe acne. Dr. Bremner was approached about doing research on the drug for the possible side affects of depression that leads to suicide. This is the story of Dr. Bremner's journey and the resulting struggles with the Roche company and all the legal proceedings that were encountered in the process. 

   As a medical professional, I was anxious to read this story because I am all too aware that drug companies peddle their wares on the public all in the name of good. Despite the good that many drugs accomplish, it is a well known fact that many drugs cause more harm then good. Drug companies boast the benefits to human welfare, but the bottom line is the all mighty dollar. This is a prime example of the lengths that companies will go to in order to turn a profit, no matter the cost.

   I was disappointed in the book from the beginning. The information concerning the Roche company only reinforced what I have always known. That part was quite fascinating in the respect that it showed what lengths these companies go to preserve the bottom line. The problem I had with the book, it was quite disjointed and the story did not flow smoothly. There was a story inside of a story going on. There were some major issues with the death of the author's mother when he was very small. I am still not certain why this was involved with the story of a drug company. All of a sudden, we have emailing with a former girlfriend and the next thing you know we have family issues and  counseling going on. It all made for a ping pong effect and nothing came together very well. It turned out to be nothing like I had expected. If you are interested in seeing the workings of a drug company looking at losing money, this would be a good read for you. From my perspective, I was very disappointed.

   Disclosure: I was provided a copy by the author for reading and reviewing purposes.

I give this book 2.5 out of 5 stars