Review of Man Mission

[WriteOn]

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

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4 out of 4 stars

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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.

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Man Mission
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[Mildred Echesa]

I agree with you that men are the target audience because they make is the dominant characters in this. Your review is well expressed and interesting. Well done.

[WriteOn]

I agree with you that men are the target audience because they make is the dominant characters in this. Your review is well expressed and interesting. Well done.

Yes, the men very much dominate the story. Substantial dialogue from a female character doesn't occur until late in the book but what she says is significant. Many thanks Sarah1738.

[Marsha JJ]

Nice review. I also enjoyed "Man Mission" and believe that anyone who enjoys travel would find this to be an interesting book.

[Diana Lowery]

I listened to this book on tape, and I, too, laughed at the can of beans scene. Your review was very thorough.

[Wildflowertheorist]

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.

It's a very interesting review. I really like the above part from your review. An adventurous mission making it an exciting read for the readers, too.

[Bradley Shelvie]

Looks like an amazing and comical book. The character's activities as mentioned in the review are crazy! Maybe I should consider this book. Nice review.

[MsH2k]

I appreciate that political correctness doesn't conceal the genuine attitudes of the male characters.

You highlight many aspects of this entertaining read, but I appreciate this quote the most. One of the main reasons I enjoyed this book was the authentic representation of the men's excursions. Although I may not have been able to relate to their circumstances and male bonding, I was honored to come along for the ride, and I applaud the author for keeping it real

Thank you for this thorough and thoughtful review, Mrs D O!

[WriteOn]

I listened to this book on tape, and I, too, laughed at the can of beans scene. Your review was very thorough.

Thank you. I imagine it works well as an audio book. Those guys were so ill-prepared for their first adventure, but at least the can of beans was a multi-purpose item!

[WriteOn]

It's a very interesting review. I really like the above part from your review. An adventurous mission making it an exciting read for the readers, too.

Thank you Wildflowertheorist. I'm pleased you appreciated my thoughts about the anonymous narrator.

[WriteOn]

Looks like an amazing and comical book. The character's activities as mentioned in the review are crazy! Maybe I should consider this book. Nice review.

They are crazy characters, I really laughed but some of their behaviors made me cringe. Thank you for your comments Maxreview.

[WriteOn]

Mrs D O wrote: ↑09 Jul 2022, 16:25
I appreciate that political correctness doesn't conceal the genuine attitudes of the male characters.

You highlight many aspects of this entertaining read, but I appreciate this quote the most. One of the main reasons I enjoyed this book was the authentic representation of the men's excursions. Although I may not have been able to relate to their circumstances and male bonding, I was honored to come along for the ride, and I applaud the author for keeping it real
Thank you for this thorough and thoughtful review, Mrs D O!

Yes! I was truly bemused by some of the authentic 'man stuff'. The misuse of politically correct language to disguise true beliefs really bothers me. Honestly expressed discriminatory beliefs provide opportunity for education and awareness raising. I did question the attitudes of the characters a few times, but they just ignored me. Thank you for your kind comments MsH2k.

[Saint Bruno]

This book promises some interesting themes of brotherhood and adventure. I enjoyed reading your review and wish to read the book as soon as possible. I wish I could get to travel as these men did. Thank you for your recommendation!

[WriteOn]

This book promises some interesting themes of brotherhood and adventure. I enjoyed reading your review and wish to read the book as soon as possible. I wish I could get to travel as these men did. Thank you for your recommendation!

Thank you for your lovely comments Saint Bruno. I hope you enjoy reading the book and that you get a chance to travel one day. At least the book could teach you how not to be prepared for your first adventure!

[Uchechukwu Fortune Njoku]

I have read this book—a great review you have here; well done. I do agree with you that the target audience is men. The book sure shows men how to have fun while living their dream life.