ON A QUEST OF FINDING THE SECRETS OF LACTOFERRIN, CULMINATING IN THE AUTHOR’S TOUR DE FORCE

A review of Book 'The secret of the red crystals' authored by Sujata Sharma

Medical research is the foundation of medical science, and it includes research in myriad fields like biology, chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and various specialities. Though research leads to many path-breaking discoveries and developments, but it is the journeys of the researchers that are intriguing and motivating, and are also filled with many hurdles. The author Sujata Sharma comes with such a book “The secret of the red crystals”, in which she has described her journey of finding the molecular structure of the red protein Lactoferrin.
Lactoferrin is a protein that is found in the mother’s milk that enters the baby’s body and valiantly fights against harmful bacteria. It is one of the many barriers that protect infants against infection. However, many lay people haven’t heard about Lactoferrin and don’t know what it is. The book, apart from narrating the author’s arduous journey of discovering the molecular structure of Lactoferrin crystals, is thus also an initiative to generate awareness about the protein Lactoferrin.
The narrative is written very lucidly and in the start, details the author’s initiation into the wonderful world of science deriving inspiration from her father Dr. R.C. Sharma and mother Maitreyi Pushpa, and her role model- the Polish scientist Marie Curie. She was also inspired by the German physician Albert Schweitzer. It then details her journey in the Department of Biophysics in AIIMS, New Delhi, where she embarked upon the scientific project involving Lactoferrin, which took her on an enthralling magical and spiritual journey. The book then details the final discovery of the molecular structure of the protein, after more than a decade- showing that we can achieve our dreams if we never give up. The book cover also has an apt depiction of the author’s pursuit of unravelling the secrets of the red crystals, with her hands outstretched and reaching the molecular structure of lactoferrin. Many sketches are also present in the book, based on imaginative mind-play, which are a delight and help the reader to know more clearly about the narrative and Lactoferrin’s structure.
This is a book with a portrayal of an exemplary journey during the course of which not only the researcher, but the red-coloured, mystical protein Lactoferrin too, emerges as the hero. The researcher does so by surmounting various odds, being persistent in her venture- which is a bumpy one, and ultimately coming out triumphant. Lactoferrin- finding the molecular structure of which has been the author’s beau idéal, in turn acts as an illuminating light and a constant source of encouragement for her; and every time a piece of this puzzle is solved, it is uplifting for both the author and the those reading the book.
This is a candid and informative memoir that will appeal to readers who like to foray into reading somewhat offbeat books, those having a scientific temperament, and those who love reading inspiriting accounts of perseverance and determination. This is a thoroughly enjoyable read; and the story is definitely a coup de maître for the author and the Indian Biophysics research fraternity. Also, Lactoferrin makes a remarkable debut in Indian fiction through this book, and due to the pursuits of the author, achieves a celebrity status. This is such a book that will make celebutantes of Lactoferrin, owing to its beneficial properties and the quest that it led the author on; and also the author, owing to this captivating book featuring her real-life motivational journey and mesmerising writing.

Updated On 6/20/2018 11:17:06 AM