OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Project Purple" by Michael A. Greco.]

A small group of Americans have been selected for a prestigious social experiment. They will be placed in an unknown location and forced to live in the style of seventeenth-century colonials. They will be filmed, monitored, and tracked throughout this whole ordeal. Authenticity is key for the entire process and even public shaming and physical punishments are common occurrences. When the project’s organizers/sponsors actually get involved with providing corporal punishment tools and dictate their use, the colonials begin to wonder whether or not they are actually willing participants in this experiment or if they are glorified prisoners. Where are these colonials, who is actually controlling them, what is the actual intent of the experiment, and more importantly will they survive, are all questions the reader will be asking of Project Purple by Michael A. Greco.

This book follows two basic points of view of the same story. First, there are the perspectives of the colonists themselves. From their perspective, we see their trials, tribulations, doubts, and fears as the experiment progresses. From an external perspective, we are introduced to Rigor, a missing persons police investigator. Rigor is anonymously sent video clips from the recordings of the colonials and he takes it upon himself to investigate them. He takes it upon himself to follow up on how these people are being treated, what is going on in the videos, and how he can save them.

The concept behind this unique novel is a weird mix of The Hunger Games, Battle Royale, and the TV show Survivor. All this takes place while contestants are being forced to act out roles of the seventeenth century during their tribulations. The mystery behind what is actually occurring to these colonists is palpitating, and the reader is forced to re-evaluate constantly what they think is going on. What I liked most about this book, however, was how the reader is really given two different stories with intertwining characters. The role of Rigor in the story gives an added depth that wouldn’t have been apparent otherwise. It would have been too easy to get caught up in the colonial story itself were this external entity not looking for them.

One thing that was slightly confusing to me, but perhaps it was either intended or just missed, is that it was never perfectly clear how times lined up. I found myself struggling to conceptualize how long they had been in the experiment, how Rigor’s timeline lined up with theirs, and when it jumped around. What I disliked the most, however, was a continual inconsistency with how the colonials were supposed to act. Although they were punished for not keeping their actions and speech appropriate for the time period, they were constantly talking about the outside world or the experiment themselves. If the purpose of this experiment were to replay the colonial period for an external viewership (the goal of which I can't give away to avoid spoilers), this would be wholly disappointing as a spectator.

For its unique perspective, entertaining story, and excellent writing, I am compelled to give this book a perfect 4 out of 4 stars. None of the minor confusions or discrepancies mentioned above were enough to take away from the story and there were only a few very minor editing errors that I came across. For those that like reading novels that keep you guessing as you go through them, this one is perfect for you. If stories that pit contestants against each other aren’t your cup of tea, you can probably steer clear of this one. Similarly, there are several scenes of graphic violence and some sexual content that may not be appropriate for younger viewers.

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Project Purple
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This sounds really intriguing to me! I want to read this! It almost sounds like M. Night Shamalyan's The Village, except these people are at least somewhat willing participants. I'm off to see if I can put this on my list!

This does remind one of recent reality television programs except for the detective who is searching for them. That adds another element of suspense to keep it interesting. Your description of the book and the high rating you give it make this seem like a worthwhile read. Thanks!

The premise looks innovative mirrored maybe on the Big Brother concept, only that here there is actual punishment. It's a book I would like to read. Thanks for the review.

This novel seems intriguing and I'm interested to pick it up. Your review was very enjoyable to read. I like the comparisons you made to the Battle Royale and the Hunger Games and Lost: That helped to get a good picture of what the book probably will be like. Thank you for the review.

This book seems like it might be an interesting read. I gather from your review, as well as the book cover, that during this experiment there is significant emphasis placed on punishment. If that is true, it does beg the question what the experiment is really about. I am not enthused about the time confusion, but your review indicates that you didn't feel it was detrimental to the story. I will probably give this one a read. Thank you for a great review!