Review of Man Mission

[Tabuya Dube]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Man Mission" by Eytan Uliel.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Man Mission by Eytan Uliel is a non-fictional account of the adventures of a group of four Australian friends as they travel to various places around the world over a period of fifteen years. Every year the men visit a destination which they choose in line with the prerequisites of the “Man Mission Charter” and over the course of several years, they visit fifteen exotic places around the world. The Charter requires that as much as possible, they must travel under their own power, so the journeys involve copious amounts of cycling, kayaking, and hiking.

From the first mission in New Zealand to the fifteenth one in Iceland, the group makes sure that each experience is unique and filled with prospects of adventure. The reader is treated to camaraderie at its best as the four friends’ relationship is at times tested by the arduous journeys they have to undertake. The author also gives us glimpses into their personal triumphs and struggles as they get married, have children, and experience personal tragedies whilst they each grapple with what it means to be a man.

I enjoyed the author’s candidness in his account of his own personal struggles as a man. The weight of the expectations of society, of his family and friends, and the pressures of building a successful career, eventually prove too much, and he becomes depressed. In a way, the Man Missions become an escape, where he can forget about everything else and just be himself.

The author is a brilliant storyteller. His descriptive narration brings the book to life and captures the unique experience that was each of the fifteen Man Missions. As I read through the book, it felt as if I was there with them, experiencing the sights and sounds of each mission. I also found the book to be well-researched. There was nothing to dislike about the book.

The book is well-edited. The errors I found are negligible and do not detract from the quality of the book. As such, I have given this book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars.

The book Man Mission is written by a man — with men in mind — about his personal journey in becoming a man on his own terms. It would typically make a good read for men of all ages as it delves into the struggles of what it is to be a man vis-à-vis society’s expectations. Travel and adventure enthusiasts will also appreciate the author’s descriptive insights into each of the missions.

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Man Mission
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