At its heart, Transportaling is a sharp satire of contemporary American society. Milks draws biting parallels between Melenca and Earth, weaving in commentary on political polarization, health care, and immigration issues, all through the lens of Melencan politics, which is split between the opposing factions of Unifiers and Compactors. The slogans, such as “Restore Melenca to glory,” resonate with contemporary discussions on nationalism, while the novel also critiques post-truth propaganda techniques, where the distinction between fact and fiction is blurred to justify destructive mining operations. The environmental degradation in Melenca—manifested through cracks, sinkholes, and toxic gasses—serves as a clear allegory for the ongoing climate crisis in our own world. Complicating things are comic frictions between the outbounders themselves, some of whom see Melenca as ripe for business ventures of their own.

Milks excels at creating a richly textured world, with the culture and societal dynamics of Melenca unfolding organically through dialogue rather than dense exposition, keeping readers open to alt-world thought experiments engaged and curious. The fast-paced narrative is fueled by ever-present dangers, including a fanatical group (rightcakes) in pursuit of the protagonists. Sam’s personal journey of self-doubt—particularly his career and romantic struggles—grounds the novel in feeling. Milks has crafted a thought-provoking novel that invites readers to reflect on the state of their own world long after the final page.

Takeaway: Engaging blend of alt-reality adventure and incisive socio-political commentary.

Comparable Titles: Walter Moers; Connie Willis.

Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: B+
Illustrations: –
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: B-