1 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
There and Back There Again by Andrew Alsup appears to be a random collection of essays and musings about the author’s personal experiences and thoughts. The introduction is a brief and vague summary of important points about himself. Chapter one begins with strange descriptions of annoying voices that he continually hears in his head, and what they say to him.
Following this revelation, is a discussion about the Constitution of the United States of America and the individual’s right to personal privacy. His own rights have apparently been violated. Unnamed individuals and the US government are mentioned in this regard. At this stage, it is difficult to determine whether he also blames them for the voices in his head but he does mention that he has evidence that the FBI and the Navy SEALS were unsuccessfully used against him.
Addressing this issue and proposing an amendment to the Constitution, the author gives a website address for readers to support him with this campaign and suggests a donation of fifty dollars. This is followed by a discussion of the works of Edgar Allen Poe and particularly of the literary logic involved with the writing of the poem, The Raven. Finally, the conclusion consists of several chapters about each of his pet dogs.
In an attempt to understand this book, I read it several times and was still at a loss to discern its purpose. The author seems to consider his situation as a subject of national concern as he proposes meetings with himself and members of the government and the president in order to resolve it. Despite somewhat lengthy tirades about his alleged persecution, it is still not made clear what his occupation or his problem actually is.
The writing style is chaotic and interspersed with foul language and mysterious threats and allegations. The section about Edgar Allen Poe is well written and interesting, but it is difficult to understand its relevance to the rest of the book.
In the conclusion of the book, the final chapters about his dogs are charming but do not seem to fit in with the rest of the book. Although the author appears to be able to write convincingly, any coherency to his arguments are severely damaged by a lack of sequence, facts, and context. The book is not well organised and has no logical structure.
A generally belligerent tone of writing loses any credibility with the liberal use of foul language. The author’s personal quandary appears to be a mystery with no elaboration other than vague references which are repeated throughout the text. These references are usually accompanied by insulting or threatening remarks.
Readers who enjoy unlikely conspiracy theories may be able to relate to the mysterious situation experienced and described by the author. The tirade of derogatory language and remarks will upset sensitive individuals. A forward or introduction discussing the purpose of this book would definitely be of some value.
There is an extensive number of errors in punctuation, grammar and spelling which I picked up. It is obvious that this book requires detailed editing and extensive revision. I have given it a rating of 1 out of 4 stars.
******
There and Back There Again
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like timd's review? Post a comment saying so!
