Review of Man Mission
Posted: 09 Jul 2022, 16:25
[Following is a volunteer review of "Man Mission" by Eytan Uliel.]
Self-discovery, experiential learning, and satisfying wanderlust are achievable ambitions during an educational gap year. The main protagonist in Man Mission, written by Eytan Uliel, appears to seek these achievements in small stages, later in life, through annual global escapes and escapades. Several years after graduating from university, he realises how much he has compromised to maintain a stoic manly image. He's pursuing a lucrative career rather than his vocation, so he can afford to get married, buy a home and support a family. He might epitomise society's image of a successful man, but he feels unfulfilled and emasculated.
The hopes and dreams of his teenage years, buried in obscurity, suddenly resurface at the insistence of a friend from university. The passion for a crazy plan they shared years ago takes flight. They jet off from their homeland of Australia to go backpacking in New Zealand for a week. With high expectations, minimal preparation, and even less common sense, they somehow survive an arduous but comedic quest to live like real men in the wilds of an exotic location. Equipped with only the contents of their rucksacks, predictably including a tin of baked beans, they are free to roam. Hence, their annual adventures begin. Other friends join them to face the annual challenges of macho activities, in different countries, for the next fourteen years. Leaving commitments, growing families, and some begrudging partners, they explore Japan, Fiji, South Korea, South Africa, and many other countries.
Narrated in the first-person point of view by the main protagonist, the story invites readers to join his exploration of the world and his psyche. He discloses his most introspective thoughts. Although the people and animals he observes are unfamiliar, he identifies with their feelings as he reflects on problems in his life. Tormented by insecurities about his role as a husband, a father, and a professional, he feels undervalued. The risk-taking and thrills of the annual getaways provide respite from his dilemmas but don't improve his situation at home. Will this frustrated man be tempted to console himself with a different kind of thrill?
The book's structure felt comfortingly rhythmic; this enhanced my reading experience. Each chapter begins with a map of the featured country, an inspiring quote about men, a short biblical text, and a glimpse of the adventure to come. The book is pleasurable and easy to read. The author has skillfully integrated time shifts into the story. While he is away, the narrator has flashbacks to poignant events at home, improving the story's emotional progression and character development.
Even a superficial reading of this book would satisfy a reader seeking to enjoy a humorous travelogue. The antics and bravado of the men made me laugh, as hilarious scenes were well described. I laughed while reading how the narrator prepares to fight an unidentified life-threatening entity. His weapon of choice? Well, it's that tin of baked beans! Another funny scene occurs when the narrator feels obliged to answer candid questions about sex posed by three Taiwanese men, while sitting naked in a thermal spa! Vivid descriptions of geological landscapes enabled me to picture the locations and appreciate the unique qualities of each country.
On a deeper level, the author has explored the men's more intimate thoughts and feelings, the reasons they might remain unexpressed, and the consequence of suppressing them. As the men mature, they become more able to articulate their feelings. I commend the wise advice offered by the author via this aspect of the story. He depicts the opportunities available for men to express feelings and share problems. These include attending a men's group, talking to your mates, counseling sessions, and talking to your wife or mother.
Although his friends addressed the author by a few derogatory names, he remains anonymous. I found this irritating initially, but in retrospect, I think this omission could serve a significant purpose. The narrators' feelings and experiences reflect those of many men, so perhaps after identifying with the nameless narrator, they can apply their own name.
The devaluation of women in the novel was dislikable; the female perspective was not well represented. The pejorative terms used for women added to a sexist tone. Although this concerns me, I appreciate that political correctness doesn't conceal the genuine attitudes of the male characters.
I recommend this exceptionally well-edited and entertaining book to older teenagers and adults. Although men are the target audience, anyone curious about travel or the vicissitudes of maturing and surviving adult life would find it interesting. I regarded the frequent profound language and some mild sex scenes as relevant to the story, but this may not suit some readers. I award this book a well-deserved score of 4 out of 4 stars.
******
Man Mission
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Self-discovery, experiential learning, and satisfying wanderlust are achievable ambitions during an educational gap year. The main protagonist in Man Mission, written by Eytan Uliel, appears to seek these achievements in small stages, later in life, through annual global escapes and escapades. Several years after graduating from university, he realises how much he has compromised to maintain a stoic manly image. He's pursuing a lucrative career rather than his vocation, so he can afford to get married, buy a home and support a family. He might epitomise society's image of a successful man, but he feels unfulfilled and emasculated.
The hopes and dreams of his teenage years, buried in obscurity, suddenly resurface at the insistence of a friend from university. The passion for a crazy plan they shared years ago takes flight. They jet off from their homeland of Australia to go backpacking in New Zealand for a week. With high expectations, minimal preparation, and even less common sense, they somehow survive an arduous but comedic quest to live like real men in the wilds of an exotic location. Equipped with only the contents of their rucksacks, predictably including a tin of baked beans, they are free to roam. Hence, their annual adventures begin. Other friends join them to face the annual challenges of macho activities, in different countries, for the next fourteen years. Leaving commitments, growing families, and some begrudging partners, they explore Japan, Fiji, South Korea, South Africa, and many other countries.
Narrated in the first-person point of view by the main protagonist, the story invites readers to join his exploration of the world and his psyche. He discloses his most introspective thoughts. Although the people and animals he observes are unfamiliar, he identifies with their feelings as he reflects on problems in his life. Tormented by insecurities about his role as a husband, a father, and a professional, he feels undervalued. The risk-taking and thrills of the annual getaways provide respite from his dilemmas but don't improve his situation at home. Will this frustrated man be tempted to console himself with a different kind of thrill?
The book's structure felt comfortingly rhythmic; this enhanced my reading experience. Each chapter begins with a map of the featured country, an inspiring quote about men, a short biblical text, and a glimpse of the adventure to come. The book is pleasurable and easy to read. The author has skillfully integrated time shifts into the story. While he is away, the narrator has flashbacks to poignant events at home, improving the story's emotional progression and character development.
Even a superficial reading of this book would satisfy a reader seeking to enjoy a humorous travelogue. The antics and bravado of the men made me laugh, as hilarious scenes were well described. I laughed while reading how the narrator prepares to fight an unidentified life-threatening entity. His weapon of choice? Well, it's that tin of baked beans! Another funny scene occurs when the narrator feels obliged to answer candid questions about sex posed by three Taiwanese men, while sitting naked in a thermal spa! Vivid descriptions of geological landscapes enabled me to picture the locations and appreciate the unique qualities of each country.
On a deeper level, the author has explored the men's more intimate thoughts and feelings, the reasons they might remain unexpressed, and the consequence of suppressing them. As the men mature, they become more able to articulate their feelings. I commend the wise advice offered by the author via this aspect of the story. He depicts the opportunities available for men to express feelings and share problems. These include attending a men's group, talking to your mates, counseling sessions, and talking to your wife or mother.
Although his friends addressed the author by a few derogatory names, he remains anonymous. I found this irritating initially, but in retrospect, I think this omission could serve a significant purpose. The narrators' feelings and experiences reflect those of many men, so perhaps after identifying with the nameless narrator, they can apply their own name.
The devaluation of women in the novel was dislikable; the female perspective was not well represented. The pejorative terms used for women added to a sexist tone. Although this concerns me, I appreciate that political correctness doesn't conceal the genuine attitudes of the male characters.
I recommend this exceptionally well-edited and entertaining book to older teenagers and adults. Although men are the target audience, anyone curious about travel or the vicissitudes of maturing and surviving adult life would find it interesting. I regarded the frequent profound language and some mild sex scenes as relevant to the story, but this may not suit some readers. I award this book a well-deserved score of 4 out of 4 stars.
******
Man Mission
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
