Title: The Campaign
Author: Hank Silverberg
Publisher: Urlink Print & Media, LLC
ISBN: 978-1647532185
Pages: 402
Genre: Literature & Fiction / Young Adult
Reviewed by: Anthony Avina
Hollywood Book Reviews
In the United States, nothing has consumed the public eye more in recent months than politics. The Presidential race of 2024 has been on the minds of so many people, no matter what side of the political aisle they may fall on. The direction that a nation takes relies predominantly on the leaders that are chosen to run things in their name, and yet the political maneuvering and stresses of campaigning that stay behind closed doors rarely ever make it known to those who vote on these matters.
That is to say, so much of American politics happens behind the scenes, and in author Hank Silverberg’s The Campaign, those backroom political moves are put on full display. When a currently sitting President’s public perception takes a hit in the wake of a brutal conflict in Iran, his re-election campaign not only hits a battle with a Missouri Congressman, but faces opposition from within his own cabinet when his Vice President wrestles with the choice of whether she should run against him or not. Amidst the campaigns and political movements, a deadly series of attacks by a man named Ishmael and the war in Iran drive public perception and opinion as the race tightens up.
While a fictional story, the author does a remarkable job of utilizing a lifetime of experience as a journalist to really explore the ins-and-outs of politics and the actions that often take place. The authenticity and honesty the author brings to this story thanks to that background allows the reader to really feel immersed into the story, and the mixture of tension throughout the narrative and the humor infused into the dialogue captured the fast pace and multiple moving parts that an actual political race often has both in the public perception and the moments behind closed doors.
Anyone who truly enjoys politically driven narratives, especially those that infuse drama, suspense, humor and thoughtful depictions of political movements, will be enthralled by this book. The amount of detail and the multiple points-of-view which the author utilizes for this wide cast of characters gives the reader the impression they are watching a hard-hitting, ten episode miniseries on MAX following a gruesome political campaign from beginning to end. The descriptive nature of the story and the relatability of some characters (and head-shaking actions of other characters) will instantly draw readers further and further into the book’s story.
The Campaign offers a gripping narrative with ample substance. Silverberg’s skillful writing and insightful commentary make this book both entertaining and enlightening, leaving readers questioning the true cost of power in today’s world. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today, before it is too late!