An articulate, erudite, and intellectually incisive novel.
“You have metastatic Stage IV prostate cancer, Will. It has spread.” This news is not entirely unexpected for septuagenarian Will Barnes. From damaged Marine to proud grandfather, Will’s life has been marked by significant milestones, irreversible choices, and thoughtful adaptation. And now, time is running short to complete all the projects he’s started. He has a book to finish, friendships to cultivate, a wife to reassure, and amends to make. Foremost on Will’s to-do list is getting to know the granddaughter he only recently found out about. Life is short, and Will has many lessons to impart to this young woman. As Will gets to know Manuela, he sees in her a kindred spirit. She is inquisitive, thoughtful, idealistic, intelligent, and prone to the missteps he knows all too well. In a world changing faster than ever, he hopes to develop her critical thinking abilities and spare her some of his pain. Manuela, however, has more fortitude than Will knows, and her experiences prove her tenacity. Manuela is entering college and staying with her grandparents, affording Will the gift of time with her. Their dialogue is raw, honest, and searching, offering Will the rare moment of connection that feels both cathartic and redemptive.
True to the trilogy’s tone, Manuela is an articulate, erudite, and intellectually incisive novel, though a gentler thread of spirituality emerges in this installment as Will reflects on his life. For those who prioritize depth over flair, the novel’s thoughtful treatment of difficult topics speaks to both heart and mind. Whether considering Camp Lejeune veterans’ advocacy or the complexities of various religions, Will tackles his mortality with the same measured approach as any other challenge. Social issues, current events, and world politics take center stage, but the characters’ backgrounds provide meaningful context and emotional weight. As Will’s family dynamics and history influence his story arc, readers will enjoy getting to know the parts of Will that have been patiently waiting to shine. Like a man who’s finally spoken the truths that matter most, Will’s journey comes full circle through an evolved sense of self and his imparted wisdom. Conversations, while incredibly enlightening, are almost so balanced and calm as to strain believability. But since history tends to repeat itself, these analytical discussions will remain timely and relevant. More illuminating than escapist, Manuela champions civility, embraces pragmatism, and invites rational reflection on every shade of truth, a pleasant departure from the norms of contemporary fiction.
