It's Superman! : Book Review

"It's Superman!" by Tom De Haven offers a fresh and captivating retelling of the classic superhero's origin story. Set against the backdrop of 1930s America during the Great Depression, the novel takes readers on a nostalgic journey through the bustling streets of Metropolis, offering an immersive experience into Clark Kent's transformation into the iconic Superman. De Haven's writing captures the essence of the time period, delving into the struggles and triumphs of the era.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its exploration of Clark Kent's character. De Haven provides deep insights into Kent's internal conflicts and insecurities, painting a robust and believable portrait of a hero grappling with his destiny. Through vivid descriptions and introspective narratives, readers gain a fresh perspective on Superman's development, witnessing his doubts and personal growth as he embraces his role as a symbol of hope and justice.

The historical setting adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. De Haven successfully weaves in the socio-economic issues of the time, contrasting the lives of the wealthy with the struggles of the destitute. Through evocative depictions of the city's landscape and the characters' interactions with their surroundings, readers are transported into a vivid and turbulent world.

The supporting characters are not neglected in this retelling. From the determined and ambitious reporter Lois Lane to the cunning and morally ambiguous antagonist Lex Luthor, each character receives complex and nuanced development, enriching the overall story. De Haven explores the intricate dynamics between the characters, delving into their motivations and relationships, providing a fresh and captivating perspective on familiar figures.

"It's Superman!" combines elements of adventure, romance, and coming-of-age, captivating readers from start to finish. De Haven's creative storytelling and attention to detail breathe new life into the iconic superhero's origin story, making it a must-read for both Superman fans and lovers of historical fiction. As readers immerse themselves in the nostalgic world of Metropolis, they will find themselves enthralled by the unique and enthralling retelling that De Haven has crafted.

What are readers saying?

The novel "It's Superman!" by Tom De Haven has received a variety of reviews from readers. Many reviewers have praised De Haven's talent for capturing the essence of the 1930s and the nostalgic feelings associated with the iconic superhero. They have commended his meticulous attention to historical detail, which adds depth and authenticity to the story. Readers have also appreciated De Haven's skill in developing characters, especially his exploration of Clark Kent's persona and inner conflict. The book is regarded as an interesting and unique take on the origin story of Superman.

However, there are some readers who feel that the story lacks the excitement and action usually associated with Superman. They find the pacing slow and believe there is a lack of substantial plot developments. Some readers have mentioned that the book appears more focused on Clark Kent's personal journey rather than his superhero alter ego, which may disappoint those seeking a more action-packed narrative. Additionally, a few readers have found the multiple storylines and backstories confusing and difficult to follow.

Despite these criticisms, many readers appreciate De Haven's writing style, describing it as rich and immersive. They commend his ability to create vivid imagery and evoke a strong sense of time and place. The descriptive passages are often highlighted as a strong point, allowing readers to easily visualize the setting and characters.

On the other hand, some reviewers find the writing style dense and overly descriptive, which makes it difficult to fully engage with the story. They feel that the extensive descriptions and long sentences slow down the pace and make the book feel heavy and sluggish.

Overall, "It's Superman!" by Tom De Haven offers a unique and nostalgic perspective on the Superman mythos, with a focus on character development and historical context. While some readers appreciate its attention to detail and insightful exploration of Clark Kent's journey, others find it lacking in action and overly descriptive.

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