Review by nefitzgerald -- Man Mission by Eytan Uliel

[nefitzgerald]

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

---

3 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Man Mission by Eytan Uliel is the story of one man and his three best friends, who take an annual trip together each year to reassure themselves of their manliness. It follows their over-ambitious adventures and lack of training and physical fitness over the course of fifteen years. There are highs and lows on their travels, as in their everyday lives but their annual trip allows the men to be boys and let off steam whilst also being a reflective time for them.

The book combines elements of travel writing, food and the daily life of being a man. The travel element sometimes comes across more like a travel blog rather than a story/book. As an avid traveller, I thought this aspect of the book would really appeal to me but I found some of it a little lacklustre and unable to fully conjure up the spirit of the countries it was describing. It hasn't got me rushing to book flights!
I'm also a foodie but again, I found the style of writing wanting a little in some places.

The best aspect of this book is how it frankly and honestly explores the hurt and struggle men face in their lives, trying to live up to an ideal created by society. Covering the stages of suffering in silence, pent up rage and the eventual fallout these cause, this is likely to be a useful self-help book for men. I hope it encourages them to open up and speak to loved ones and friends about their emotions.

This is a light-hearted, easy to read and in parts sad, in parts humorous book. It contains blokey language throughout, so that means a fair splattering of swearing. Surprisingly perhaps, there is next to no erotic content. At the end of the day, this book is about love, relationships, friendships and heartbreak, from inside the minds of men.

The book is well edited, I found only one very minor error and no spelling mistakes. The concept of the book is very interesting and although the writing is a little pedestrian in places, the overall pace of the book over fifteen years is fast. I recommend all men read it, especially if approaching or in the throes of a mid-life crisis or generally feeling down in the dumps. I would rate this book 3 out of 4 stars despite not likely being the book's target audience.

******
Man Mission
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes