Review of Van Man

[Varisha Khanna]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Van Man" by Marc I DeSellem.]

---

4 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

I would rate “Van Man” by Marc I DeSellem a 4/5. The book presents a compelling and thought-provoking journey into a dystopian future, set in California in the year 2095. The novel skillfully blends elements of satire, science fiction, and social commentary, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and deeply reflective of contemporary societal issues.

The novel's setting is in a fragmented United States, where FAX NEWS monopolizes state communication and perpetuates relentless propaganda, serving as a chilling backdrop that amplifies the dystopian atmosphere. The author’s portrayal of media control and the erosion of truth resonates strongly with current concerns about misinformation and media bias.

The story centers around Timothy Blankenship, a young soccer prodigy on the verge of signing a lucrative contract with the San Francisco Hopefuls. His rise to fame represents the quintessential American Dream, yet as Timothy navigates the complexities of his career, he discovers the insidious influence of corporate powerbrokers and politicians who manipulate the sport and, by extension, his life.

Parallel to Timothy’s story is the subplot involving his Uncle Harry, a victim of an environmental illness contracted while working at the Verve Mines. This subplot introduces a poignant commentary on the exploitation of labor and the devastating effects of corporate greed on individuals. Uncle Harry's refusal to sell his beloved van, despite his dire need for expensive medication, underscores themes of personal integrity and sacrifice.

The novel has rich character development. Timothy’s journey from a naive athlete to a more aware and introspective individual is well-crafted, as is the portrayal of Uncle Harry’s dignified struggle. The character’s interactions and relationships are believable and add depth to the narrative. The book also raises important questions about the nature of the American Dream and the cost of success in a corrupt system. The author has edited this book well and there were no grammatical errors present.

Despite these positives, the one issue that readers can have with the novel is that the multiple subplots and their interconnections can become slightly overwhelming.

Overall, this is a powerful and entertaining novel that offers a profound commentary on the state of American society and its potential future. This is a must-read for anyone interested in a thought-provoking science fiction novel.

******
Van Man
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Liam Patel]

This review of Van Man by Marc I DeSellem presents a compelling and thought-provoking journey into a dystopian future. It skillfully combines satire, science fiction, and social commentary to create an entertaining and reflective narrative. The characters are well-developed, and the book raises important questions about American society. Overall, I would rate it a 4/5, making it a good read for anyone interested in thought-provoking science fiction. Complex relationships, felt real and relatable.

[Ingalwa Eugine]

I love how you have summarized this review. I like the perfect blend of satire, science fiction, and societal commentary. However, I am still thinking about the possibility of reading it. Good job.

[NetMassimo]

Multiple subplots are tricky to handle and can be confusing for readers. Despite that, this dystopic novel that projects some current trends into the future offer food for thought with its commentary of the possible future of American society. Thank you for your great review!

[Boring Pigeon]

Based on the review, Van Man by Marc I DeSellem seems like a captivating and thought-provoking read. The fusion of satire, science fiction, and social commentary creates a compelling narrative that reflects contemporary societal issues. The story follows Timothy Blankenship and his journey through a dystopian future, highlighting themes of media control, corporate power, and the American Dream's cost. The book delves into the characters' development, providing believable interactions and relationships. Although some readers may find the multiple subplots overwhelming, overall, this is a powerful and entertaining novel. I would rate it a 4/5. Captivating dialogue, brimmed with authenticity.

[Mercy Ndungu 9]

Your review of Van Man by Marc I. DeSellem is insightful and well-articulated, effectively capturing the novel's strengths and the depth of its narrative. You provide a compelling overview of the dystopian future the book presents, emphasizing how the author skillfully blends satire, science fiction, and social commentary to create a thought-provoking story.