It may be uncouth to discuss racism, history, or politics at a funeral, but Will Barnes isn’t known for his strict adherence to social convention. His mere attendance at a funeral for a proud German man who served his country during the Nazi regime causes some to bristle. Getting to know Johann, however, was revelatory for Will, compelling him to weave their illuminating conversations into a book. Believing that his novel has the power to transform others in a similar manner, Will works feverishly to bring his vision to life. Unfortunately, not everyone is excited to read a book that lends a sympathetic ear to Nazi history. The process also puts a strain on Will’s health, his marriage, and other relationships, and he can’t keep blaming his bad attitude on the prednisone he’s taking. He ultimately decides that a second book is needed, though his anger issues seem to be getting worse with time. Writing this sequel forces Will to acknowledge the impact of his lamentable upbringing and his time in the Marines, so he adds a vital personal project to the research and interviews for the novel. Though not an alcoholic, Will resolves to apply the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous to his deep-seated resentment and anger. He has certain goals and expectations as he unloads these emotional burdens, but the endeavor yields results Will could never have imagined.
Curt A. Canfield uses verifiable history and dramatic statistics to blur the line between fiction and reality in Better is the End. Nobody’s life is trouble-free, and this sequel makes a bold statement about tackling our hardest internal struggles with exposure and honesty. For the first part of the story, the protagonist is weighed down with bitterness, resentment, and fierce opinions, all qualities that make Will’s character a challenge to engage with. However, the author skillfully passes these emotional burdens on to readers, fully conveying the impact of Will’s suppressed and unsorted feelings. True, Will remains severe, detached, disciplined, and driven, but as he works through the steps of the AA program, he allows the benefits of forgiveness to drench his parched soul. Once he realizes the impact of his choices and faces the fact that not everyone’s opinions will ever align with his, readers are finally able to relate and empathize with a man who has walked through debilitating darkness but has also been fortunate enough to find the light. Contemporary problems are examined honestly in Canfield’s eye-opening novel Better is the End, the story of a man on the most important mission of his life.
