Is Congo part of a series?

No. Congo is a standalone novel, with no sequel or prequel in Michael Crichton's bibliography.

Was Congo made into a movie?

Yes. A film adaptation directed by Frank Marshall, with a screenplay by John Patrick Shanley, was released in 1995.

What are the "Type IIb" diamonds the expedition is searching for?

Type IIb diamonds are a rare, naturally boron-doped type of diamond that conducts electricity, making them valuable as semiconductors — the deposit at the center of the novel's expedition.

Congo

Mystery Science Fiction

Pages: 367
Published: 1980
Language: English

A team ventures deep into the Congo rainforest in search of legendary diamonds, but they soon discover they are not alone. Facing deadly dangers and the mystery of a vanished expedition, they must fight for survival against forces beyond their understanding. This thrilling adventure blends cutting-edge science with ancient secrets.

Prose complexity: 7/10

Tense Mysterious Adventurous Dark

Quest Survival

Michael Crichton

Michael Crichton (1942–2008) was an American author, screenwriter, film director and producer best known for science-based thrillers such as The Andromeda Strain, Jurassic Park and Timeline. He earned an M.D. from Harvard Medical School in 1969 but pursued writing rather than practicing medicine. He directed several films, including Westworld (1973), and created the television series ER. More than a dozen of his novels have been adapted for film and television, and his books have sold over 200 m...

Karen RossProtagonist

A 24-year-old ERTS mathematician and strategist who leads the second expedition into the Congo, racing a rival consortium to a source of valuable diamonds.

Peter ElliotProtagonist

A primatologist who has taught a gorilla named Amy to communicate in sign language, and who joins the expedition in part to continue his research into primate language.

Amy (Congo)Supporting

A lowland gorilla trained by primatologist Peter Elliot to communicate in American Sign Language, with a vocabulary of several hundred signs; she accompanies the expedition into the Congo.

Charles MunroSupporting

A seasoned mercenary with a disreputable reputation, hired as the expedition's guide to lead the team safely through the dangerous Congo rainforest.

R.B. TravisSupporting

The head of ERTS, who orchestrates the expedition from company headquarters as the firm races a rival consortium to the diamond source.

All characters in Congo

Frequently asked questions

Is Congo part of a series?
No. Congo is a standalone novel, with no sequel or prequel in Michael Crichton's bibliography.
Was Congo made into a movie?
Yes. A film adaptation directed by Frank Marshall, with a screenplay by John Patrick Shanley, was released in 1995.
What are the "Type IIb" diamonds the expedition is searching for?
Type IIb diamonds are a rare, naturally boron-doped type of diamond that conducts electricity, making them valuable as semiconductors — the deposit at the center of the novel's expedition.