Review by Bhagya0607 — Radioland by m.e. Elzey
Post by Bhagya0607 ยป 29 May 2021, 03:15
[Following is a volunteer review of “Radioland” by m.e. Elzey.]
3 out of 4 stars
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Radioland by m.e.Elzey mainly deals with the importance of free media and the recklessness of conservative advocacy journalism. It is the story of how a senior lawyer Harry Chalberg and his assistant for over 50 years Mariam Katz, battles with an afternoon radio political opinion show, the Cal Brown Show of NSN(New Signal News) over the way they provoke their audience by making a villain out of liberals, black people, immigrants and feminists which leads to a series of mass murders and other crimes. It also depicts the personal reasons of all the characters as to why they do what they do. The story describes the way normal people are affected by the show and what leads them to commit those crimes. The second half of the book revolves around the trial of Morton V NSN whereas Morton is supposedly one of the victims of the Cal Brown show.
The story is gripping and the way it was told is engaging. At the surface, it talks about the way American corporate companies control everything that happens and how we, normal people are brain washed in a way that suits their agenda. It describes how the power of so called free media can be misused. But it could be related to in a global way. The references made to Nazis and Joseph Goebbels are terrifying but true. Besides the political agendas behind the conservative journalism, the book also deals with sensitive issues like the mental state of each character. At first sight, Cal Brown is made to look like a villain. But then, we come to know of his sensitive side and understand him and even feel sorry for him. His character is so well written. The story of Mariam Katz is so powerful and very well told. She is one of my favourite characters. The way the normal lives of these people were described before they went and committed these crimes forces us to realize how violence has been in us all along. Most of the people who committed these crimes were so dissatisfied with their lives but couldn’t face their own incompetence. Instead they seek comfort from this radio show which makes it sound like they are the victims of some external factor. Now, all the anger and the blame is directed towards liberals or african-americans which leads to these crimes. The ending was also realistic as it is not easy to win against the corporate mafia. But, not giving up is the only way we can win.
Surely, there is more to conversations than just words. In the first few chapters, the conversations felt a little mechanical. The writing style could be a bit more sensitive. The usage of comma and question mark has been faulty. There are quite a few grammatical errors. There is a hint of profanity in a few parts of the book.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars .
This book is for adults and senior citizens of all genders.