Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

Political satire is a wonderful medium for humor, but it does have a serious side. The reality is that satire is based on true life events and while these certainly lend themselves to ridicule, the absurdities generate an underlying perception that something is wrong with the system. The Presidential election held in America during 2020 is a classic example of this irony. The infamous rivalry between Trump and Biden is reflected in an acrimonious campaign, riddled by accusation and counter-accusation, driven by the PR machines on both sides. It is into this minefield that Michael Goodwin launches Vice Versa, subtitled An Alternative History of the 2020 Presidential Election. The outcome of the election hangs in the balance. The central character, Democratic Party volunteer Gary Wong, an American of Chinese origin, is drawn into the fray, unwittingly exposing himself and his partner Manny to official and press scrutiny. Gary is aware of alleged Chinese funding for the Biden campaign but becomes a scapegoat when information is leaked to both the press and the FBI. He chooses to flee, haunted by his less than happy family background and delinquent brother. He must fight to clear his name, amidst the upheaval of Biden supporters trashing New York in the wake of a Trump victory – made possible by the illegitimate smear campaign.

Michael Goodwin has adopted an understated but commendable style of writing with Vice Versa. There is no slapstick comedy here, simply a well-written account where the ironies of American politics are subtly portrayed, but nevertheless in a bold and hard-hitting manner. Vice Versa exposes the ugly side of politics, from the informants, lobbyists, leaks to the press, disinformation, abuse of social media, and divided loyalties, to the bribery and corruption over campaign funding. The role of the press and its cynical pursuit of a story is not spared. The focus is more about headlines and less about truth. Rivalry among press agencies is highlighted, along with the ambivalent role of the FBI and local politicians. The question arises as to whether loyalty is owed to individuals or the nation, or indeed the electorate. I particularly enjoyed the comparison between politicians and drug dealers. Both are peddling something, but with questionable motives and ethics. The offshore meddling in American politics is a recurring theme. In this hypothetical case, the Chinese support Biden, but the Russians supporting Trump emerge as the masterminds. The parallels between fiction and reality are starkly portrayed. Both the Trump and Biden families have had allegations of impropriety leveled against them. In the end, it is politics that has been tainted, along with the individuals.