The Message is the ambitious and groundbreaking debut novel by Yan Vana, a book that will definitively change the way you look at humanity’s role on our planet. At once thought provoking, then progressively disturbing, this novel weaves a clever and deceptively subtle tale that questions many of our preconceived beliefs.
Vana’s book is an original blend of fantasy and science fiction that deals with the very real issue that governments, and people in general, seem reluctant to discuss… the increasing problem of overpopulation!
Acclaimed by both science fiction readers and environmentalists, it is the novel that Jonathan Porritt, the former Director of Friends of the Earth, described as “… a bold concept” and “… an increasingly compelling narrative.”
Part science fiction, part love story, The Message is the critically acclaimed debut novel from Yan Vana that cleverly puts human civilisation under the microscope and highlights the inevitable consequences of overpopulation.
This book tells a story that will stay with you long after the final page is turned!
“It’s 3am and I have just read this book from start to finish. If you are reading this review then you already know what the book is about. Trust me, you don’t really. This book has moved me to tears, deep shame and even a little despondency. I don’t agree with all that is stated in the book but I firmly believe this should be required reading in all schools in the world. Maybe every human on this planet. It’s a shame that even that wouldn’t be enough.”
– Amazon Review, 24/02/2022
The Plot
The Message tells the story of an official enquiry into the mistreatment of a planet much like our own, in which the true extent of its destruction becomes increasingly clear and those responsible brought under the spotlight. As the plot unfolds, it becomes apparent that the inquiry is being undertaken by regulators from other galaxies who have responsibility for the protection of nature reserves throughout the cosmos.
Although in novel format, The Message is a surprisingly comprehensive summary of the problems caused by overpopulation. It brings most of the available knowledge of overpopulation together in one place, using fantasy and science fiction to transform a broadly unpalatable topic into an absorbing narrative.
And what makes this story even more unique is that, unlike most other fictional works about environmental issues, it is written not from man’s point of view, but from that of the other occupants of the planet.
The Message does more than provide an absorbing, entertaining and highly original read. It will take you on a surprising journey, one that will leave you questioning much of what you thought you knew.
