Review of Van Man
Posted: 20 Jul 2024, 23:04
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Van Man" by Marc I DeSellem.]
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
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