The Word Cloud

I am struggling with two words that I am using to describe my book. I have always thought of my book as an allegory. The whole time I was writing it I was drawing parallels in my mind with man’s struggles to survive in this modern world, from needing to work to make ends meet, to infidelity, regret and the need for redemption.

The book also draws parallels on a more global scale to highlight the constant struggle for power, greed and exploitation of others.

Can I therefore describe it as an allegory? And if not, what would be a more fitting word?

The other word I am struggling with is ‘manifests’ as I am not sure whether it makes complete sense used in this way?

This is how I am describing my book at present:

‘Whilst it is set against the backdrop of an existence beyond death, Gods Inc is allegory about the struggles of modern life, from infidelity, regret and redemption, to global power and man’s exploitation of the world. Gods Inc manifests as a hypothesis about life after death that logically explains phenomena such as reincarnation, ghosts, incubi, and UFOs as real and scientific rather than fanciful or supernatural.'

Thanks, Chinch

Chinch, I'd swap around some of the phrases, something like this:

"Allegory" seems perfectly appropriate. I don't think you need the "whilst" at the beginning - you could start with "Set against ... ". Then in the second sentence, to avoid repeating the title, you could perhaps say "the novel presents a hypothesis ... "

Tony, I love the way you have reworded it. So much better, thanks.

And Kate, thanks for your confirmation that 'allegory' is the right word. The word 'presents' is so much better than 'manifests' too.

I am always pleased when I raise my problems on here. You cloudies give such excellent advice. Thanks again, Chinch

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‘Set against the premise of existence beyond death, Gods Inc symbolises man’s modern struggles in life: from infidelity, regret and redemption, to global power and sequestration of the planet. The novel logically explains the phenomena of reincarnation, ghosts, incubi, and UFOs in a scientific rather than fanciful or supernatural dimension.'

50 words

Having read your manuscript, I don't think this is a very good summary. I like it up to the word "planet," then it goes all intellectual on us. Fundamentally, this is a moving story about love, protectiveness and realising it is time to let go. I really think that needs to come across in your summary as I enjoyed your story a lot but wouldn't have read it with any enthusiasm if I'd thought it was going to be all about logically explaining phenomena!