Title: The Message
Author: Michael Hansen
Publisher: Xlibris, Corp
ISBN/ASIN: 978-1465352583
Pages: 276
Genre: Biographical Historical Non-Fiction
Reviewed by: Jack Chambers

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One of the toughest political discussions any nation has had in the last couple of centuries revolves around the idea and use of Communism. From the days of the Cold War, the divide between the United States and Russia has always stemmed from the debate over communism, especially when the political movement was often used to identify Russian empathizers among US citizens during the Cold War. As Charles E. Wilson once said, “No one should suffer from the great delusion that any form of communism or socialism which promotes the dictatorship of the few instead of the initiative of the millions can produce a happier or more prosperous society.”

In author Michael Hansen’s The Message, the author explores his own experiences growing up in Communist Romania and after his move to the United States, he explores how he comes to terms with the psychological effects of growing up in a communist society. After his upbringing and Communist-forced learnings led him to a financially successful career as a dentist, the author shares his discovery for a need of things such as love and knowledge, which led to his dissidence and immigration to the West. The author also explores how the former Soviet Union came to take control and put Communist control over areas which it had acquired long ago, and in exploring the origins of his struggles, the author showcases how Communism impacted him overall.

The author did an incredible job of effortlessly painting a vivid image of what life was like in Communist Romania, especially in the aftermath of WWII. The history and experiences the author shares showcase how the Communist party took over the nation quickly in the vacuum left behind by the WWII war machine. The emotional and passionate way in which the author writes to share his story is so heartfelt and engaging as a reader to get into, and the use of imagery helps elevate the history and culture surrounding this time period and particular part of the world.

This is the perfect read for those who enjoy non-fiction, especially those who enjoy history, biographies, memoirs, and the study of politics on a world stage. As a history and memoir fan, it was both haunting yet captivating to read about the author’s experiences and the research that went into understanding the history of his homeland. The way the author was able to capture the stark reality of life under a Communist government, and the ways in which Communism strikes down the idea of individuality in those nations, was both heartbreaking and eye-opening to read about.

Haunting, thoughtful, and enlightening, Michael Hansen’s The Message is a must-read non-fiction memoir and historical book. The personal nature of the author’s experiences paints a very pointed and vivid image of what life under Communist rule can do to a person both physically and mentally, and the combination of the author’s life experiences and how it ties into the history of Romania during its Communist occupation is remarkable to read about.