Review by Kenesha L Fowler -- Man Mission by Eytan Uliel
Posted: 11 Feb 2020, 04:57
[Following is a volunteer review of "Man Mission" by Eytan Uliel.]
Two men meet at a food fair in law school and bond over their mutual love of food. They talk about going on annual vacations to different exotic locations, eating strange foods, and doing outdoorsy things. A few years pass, and the exchange is all but forgotten. Then, out of the blue, one of them calls the other up and says, "Let's go." Plans are hastily made and soon they are off. Man Mission is born.
Over the next few years, the founding members are joined by another friend, and finally another. They become an outfit of four, hiking, biking and kayaking in different parts of the world. New Zealand, Fiji, South Africa, Vietnam, and Iceland were just some of the countries they visited for their expeditions over the span of fifteen years, each excursion more thrilling and physically challenging than the last as the men try to outdo themselves and revel in their manliness.
It's hard for me to say what I liked most about Man Mission because I found the book interesting, engaging and entertaining on many levels. I liked how the narrator interspersed the events of his life with the telling of what happens on the trips. During these flashbacks the reader is let in on other important occurrences in the lives of the characters. We see them fall in love, get married, start families, and navigate careers. We see them fail and triumph. We see them change, grow, and learn about themselves and each other.
The novel struck me as somewhat philosophical, especially towards the end where the main character's thoughts turn reflective, and he comes to certain realisations. I think that both men and women can empathise with his struggles and the conclusions he draws. Some which stuck with me were: "Not every romance lasts forever. Friends come and go, people change; sooner or later everyone dies." Trite? Perhaps. But not everyone can accept these truths. For some it would take a lot of inner strength. In addition to its philosophical bent, themes which emerge to enrich this wonderful story include adventure, travel, friendship, marriage, family, changes, and choices. In short, life. Man Mission is about living.
Finally, it's worth mentioning that the author did an excellent job of describing the wonders that the men see and experience on their outings, from the landscapes to the people and cultures. His delivery, seasoned with wit and humour made for a captivating read. Without reservation, I give Man Mission by Eytan Uliel 4 out of 4 stars. It was well-edited, intelligent, sometimes thought-provoking, emotive, laugh-out-loud funny, and entirely enjoyable.
I imagine that anyone who likes travelling and adventure stories will find this piece appealing. On the other hand, those who might be easily offended or turned off by swearing may want to steer clear, as there is a lot of coarse language - sometimes the men are downright rude. I was not at all put off by any of it; I found it fitting.
******
Man Mission
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Two men meet at a food fair in law school and bond over their mutual love of food. They talk about going on annual vacations to different exotic locations, eating strange foods, and doing outdoorsy things. A few years pass, and the exchange is all but forgotten. Then, out of the blue, one of them calls the other up and says, "Let's go." Plans are hastily made and soon they are off. Man Mission is born.
Over the next few years, the founding members are joined by another friend, and finally another. They become an outfit of four, hiking, biking and kayaking in different parts of the world. New Zealand, Fiji, South Africa, Vietnam, and Iceland were just some of the countries they visited for their expeditions over the span of fifteen years, each excursion more thrilling and physically challenging than the last as the men try to outdo themselves and revel in their manliness.
It's hard for me to say what I liked most about Man Mission because I found the book interesting, engaging and entertaining on many levels. I liked how the narrator interspersed the events of his life with the telling of what happens on the trips. During these flashbacks the reader is let in on other important occurrences in the lives of the characters. We see them fall in love, get married, start families, and navigate careers. We see them fail and triumph. We see them change, grow, and learn about themselves and each other.
The novel struck me as somewhat philosophical, especially towards the end where the main character's thoughts turn reflective, and he comes to certain realisations. I think that both men and women can empathise with his struggles and the conclusions he draws. Some which stuck with me were: "Not every romance lasts forever. Friends come and go, people change; sooner or later everyone dies." Trite? Perhaps. But not everyone can accept these truths. For some it would take a lot of inner strength. In addition to its philosophical bent, themes which emerge to enrich this wonderful story include adventure, travel, friendship, marriage, family, changes, and choices. In short, life. Man Mission is about living.
Finally, it's worth mentioning that the author did an excellent job of describing the wonders that the men see and experience on their outings, from the landscapes to the people and cultures. His delivery, seasoned with wit and humour made for a captivating read. Without reservation, I give Man Mission by Eytan Uliel 4 out of 4 stars. It was well-edited, intelligent, sometimes thought-provoking, emotive, laugh-out-loud funny, and entirely enjoyable.
I imagine that anyone who likes travelling and adventure stories will find this piece appealing. On the other hand, those who might be easily offended or turned off by swearing may want to steer clear, as there is a lot of coarse language - sometimes the men are downright rude. I was not at all put off by any of it; I found it fitting.
******
Man Mission
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes