Review of Man Mission
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Ashley Kinyanjui
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Review of Man Mission
[Following is a volunteer review of "Man Mission" by Eytan Uliel.]
A man’s friendships are one of the best measures of his worth. Charles Darwin's quote accurately describes the true essence of Eytan Uliel’s Man Mission. The book follows the journey of four men who embark on a 15-year-long annual retreat. During the retreat, the men unwind and escape daily stresses. They engage in outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, cycling, paddleboarding, ice climbing, and trekking. in an attempt to reconnect with their masculinity. Participating in these activities becomes customary for them.
We see the guys transition through various stages in their lives, from getting their first job to getting married, changing careers, starting a family, the effort to upkeep their families, the loss of a parent, and infidelity and divorce. The enduring support among the men throughout these stages is heartwarming to witness. We see them as they transition from their late twenties to middle-aged men. It exemplifies the epitome of true camaraderie among the men. While the adventures provide adrenaline rushes, the Man Mission goes deeper as it explores the complexities of modern masculinity as these men navigate life beyond their annual escapades.
I enjoyed the men’s banter, particularly Sam's witty and sarcastic retorts that added a hilarious and engaging dynamic to the interactions. There is a lot of humor in the book, and I particularly enjoyed Sam's commentary on the running stomach incident in the woods. I cackled throughout the name-calling. It was intriguing to witness the gradual evolution of the mission's organization and purpose as time passed. I thoroughly enjoyed the vivid descriptions that painted a clear picture of each adventure, and the meticulous detailing on the trips was impeccable, transporting me into the heart of each escapade. He describes the getaways in an unmatched way, whether it's a cycling adventure in Japan or a kayaking experience in the Murray River, Victoria, Australia. I got to experience them; it's as if I were there as they unfolded. I felt like I was part of the crew.
I particularly liked the Safari bit; I found it well-written and highly descriptive, and I enjoyed that trip. I also liked how we saw their evolution from being impulsive and going on trips without prior arrangements to getting a chef and a guide as they went on. The maps were also a nice addition to the book. They described the geographical layout.
Whether it was celebrating the birth of a baby, getting a new job, or going through therapy, Uliels makes you feel the characters' emotions, a true testament to his brilliant writing.
I did not dislike any aspect of the book; I found it relatable and based on reality. The advice the guys gave each other was sound, and it felt like they talked about actual topics, especially their lives. We see multiple points of view; an actual example of loneliness is when one of them is forced to stay alone in a remote place to recover from an injury, and depression and isolation are when a member of the crew isolates himself and is unable to function due to guilt and depression.
I recommend the book to outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those interested in travel experiences. I rate it a 5 out of 5. It ignited my love for the outdoors, and I found the characters relatable. I also found it particularly well-edited.
******
Man Mission
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
A man’s friendships are one of the best measures of his worth. Charles Darwin's quote accurately describes the true essence of Eytan Uliel’s Man Mission. The book follows the journey of four men who embark on a 15-year-long annual retreat. During the retreat, the men unwind and escape daily stresses. They engage in outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, cycling, paddleboarding, ice climbing, and trekking. in an attempt to reconnect with their masculinity. Participating in these activities becomes customary for them.
We see the guys transition through various stages in their lives, from getting their first job to getting married, changing careers, starting a family, the effort to upkeep their families, the loss of a parent, and infidelity and divorce. The enduring support among the men throughout these stages is heartwarming to witness. We see them as they transition from their late twenties to middle-aged men. It exemplifies the epitome of true camaraderie among the men. While the adventures provide adrenaline rushes, the Man Mission goes deeper as it explores the complexities of modern masculinity as these men navigate life beyond their annual escapades.
I enjoyed the men’s banter, particularly Sam's witty and sarcastic retorts that added a hilarious and engaging dynamic to the interactions. There is a lot of humor in the book, and I particularly enjoyed Sam's commentary on the running stomach incident in the woods. I cackled throughout the name-calling. It was intriguing to witness the gradual evolution of the mission's organization and purpose as time passed. I thoroughly enjoyed the vivid descriptions that painted a clear picture of each adventure, and the meticulous detailing on the trips was impeccable, transporting me into the heart of each escapade. He describes the getaways in an unmatched way, whether it's a cycling adventure in Japan or a kayaking experience in the Murray River, Victoria, Australia. I got to experience them; it's as if I were there as they unfolded. I felt like I was part of the crew.
I particularly liked the Safari bit; I found it well-written and highly descriptive, and I enjoyed that trip. I also liked how we saw their evolution from being impulsive and going on trips without prior arrangements to getting a chef and a guide as they went on. The maps were also a nice addition to the book. They described the geographical layout.
Whether it was celebrating the birth of a baby, getting a new job, or going through therapy, Uliels makes you feel the characters' emotions, a true testament to his brilliant writing.
I did not dislike any aspect of the book; I found it relatable and based on reality. The advice the guys gave each other was sound, and it felt like they talked about actual topics, especially their lives. We see multiple points of view; an actual example of loneliness is when one of them is forced to stay alone in a remote place to recover from an injury, and depression and isolation are when a member of the crew isolates himself and is unable to function due to guilt and depression.
I recommend the book to outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those interested in travel experiences. I rate it a 5 out of 5. It ignited my love for the outdoors, and I found the characters relatable. I also found it particularly well-edited.
******
Man Mission
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Latest Review: Creative Destruction by Alastair Bowman
