October 27, 2002 - Printable Version

Just a Couple of Days
A book review by Royce Carlson

"Just A Couple of Days", by Tony Vigorito and published by Bast Books, is a humorous apocalyptic novel that explores the nature of communication and the relationship of the individual to society. A timid scientist is recruited to come up with a vaccine for a bio-engineered virus created by an evil organization, The Committee for Peaceful Conflict. The virus gets out of control causing the end of the world as we know it, but with unexpectedly funny results.

The writing style is reminiscent of Tom Robbins, author of "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues" and several other novels. Vigorito has a similar facility in putting together colorful and creative metaphors. The pace is quick and engaging with occasional diversions into deep philosophical thought. What is communication? How does the use of language restrict our ability to relate to one another? Why aren’t apples called reds? These questions are discussed in hilarious detail during the course of this book.

It is also a parody of society, particularly the institutions of control – the government and the military. The inept and brutal methods used by the forces supposedly in control result in the total loss of control, even within their own ranks. As the apocalypse plays out, a surprising new order appears.

Just a Couple of Days provokes thought and laughter and shows that freedom is, indeed, a bigger game than power.

Just A Couple of Days has a web site at www.justacoupleofdays.com. You can order the book directly from the publisher.