Better is the End
Indiestoday.com
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.
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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.
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OnlineBookClub.org 5 out of 5 stars. "Better Is the End" by Curt A. Canfield presents a profound exploration of the political, economic, and societal transformations in the United States from its founding to the present. The narrative follows Will Barnes, a former Marine non-commissioned officer who has experienced the tumult of post-war trauma and political disillusionment. Through Will's journey, the novel scrutinizes America's deviation from the principles of its Founding Fathers and the resulting issues of income inequality, crime, and overreliance on defense spending.
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Will’s life story reflects a broader critique of American foreign and domestic policies, particularly focusing on the consequences of World War II. He grapples with the realization that the war could have been avoided and questions the justifications behind America's global interventions. His exploration into these issues leads him to investigate his own past, including reconciling with estranged family members and confronting the contradictions in historical narratives.
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The book delves into historical misconceptions, particularly the portrayal of Germans in World War II, and critiques the media’s role in shaping public perception. Will’s interactions with individuals from his past, including his former wife, a German WWII veteran, and a Japanese girl he once knew, further highlight the complexities of personal and political histories.
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Through these relationships and his writing, Will seeks to address his past mistakes, make amends, and advocate for a more introspective and less interventionist approach to global and domestic issues. The narrative underscores a message of tolerance, self-reflection, and the need for a more balanced understanding of history and international relations.
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The book is a profound exploration of the moral and societal contradictions in American history. The novel's narrative, woven through the experiences of Will Barnes, offers a compelling critique of how America's actions have deviated from its foundational ideals. His interactions with Johann and his family further underscore the complexity of historical narratives, revealing how media and power brokers shape public perception to serve their own agendas.
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The book's detailed portrayal of Will's attempts to reconcile with his past and make amends adds a deeply personal touch to its broader political critique. For example, his efforts to reconnect with his former wife, Alicia, and his estranged son, Hector, demonstrate a sincere attempt to confront and rectify his personal failings. Similarly, his pursuit of Keiko, a Japanese girl he left behind, and his support for her and her family illustrate his commitment to making a positive impact despite his past mistakes.
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The book has been professionally edited and I found nothing to dislike in it. I'd then rate the book 5 out of 5 stars. I like the writing style of the novel because it is so well-written that one is almost convinced it is a true story. The author should be commended for the good plot and for conveying an important message to everyone in the world about greed, power, arrogance, intolerance, and selfish interest.
"Better Is the End" is particularly suitable for readers who are interested in historical fiction with a strong moral and political dimension. Those who appreciate a nuanced examination of historical events and their implications for contemporary society will find this book engaging. Additionally, readers who enjoy stories of personal redemption and complex characters grappling with their pasts will connect deeply with Will’s journey.
*****
booklife review
Will Barnes, a battle-worn, no-longer active duty Marine and stroke survivor, searches for meaning in his fractured life by tracing his German mother’s roots in Canfield’s sequel to The Errors of Mankind. Will meets Johann, a 90-year-old relative involved in the Nazi’s paramilitary, whom he immediately admires for his wisdom on war and human nature. When Johann dies, Will clashes with Johann’s grandson Friedrich, a history professor who attributes the Second World War solely to Germany’s racism and superiority. Infuriated by this simplistic view, Will resolves to write a book about the roots of war, inspired by Johann’s perspectives and his own desire for redemption—a path fraught with guilt and regret.
Better is the End balances heavy political commentary with explorations of Will’s strained relationships— with his son, wife, granddaughter, and a Japanese girl he abandoned—stressing how war shapes identity. Canfield examines the revisionist view of World War II, a heavy lift but one that he tackles ambitiously, using Will as a lens to critique America's obsession with militarism, neglect of the psychological toll of war, the long-held narrative of America as a global liberator, and media manipulation—a global concern still eerily relevant today. Will's haunting reflection—"Did my darkness come from all the sin that I inflicted on the world? Or did it come from all the sin that I had witnessed in the world?"—anchors central themes of war’s lasting trauma and its perpetuating cycle of violence.
While the crisp and provocative dialogue occasionally veers into didacticism—characters serving as philosophical mouthpieces rather than well-rounded individuals—Canfield's prowess connects history with modern dilemmas by avoiding binary narratives for a nuanced understanding of the ethical foundations of military might. The message is clear: redemption is hard-won but necessary. This thoughtful blend of historical exposition and personal reflection scrutinizes the timeless search for a moral compass in a world often bereft of one.
Takeaway: A retired Marine’s account of war, guilt, and personal redemption
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​​​​Beta Reader Reviews:
​Joe Labbe, COO, Sunset Point Software, Inc.
“Part IV was wonderful. Interesting watch Will come full circle with the help of some seemingly innocuous exchanges with a neighbor and a visit from a teenage girl.
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“Great job! I loved the journey both books took me on. You're a great storyteller who, through these books, tells a deeply compelling and painfully personal story that is quite entertaining. While most people have not been through what Will's been through, most folks have had their own journey and should be able to put themselves in Will's shoes because the concepts of
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"Why am I here?", "What does it mean to be happy?", "Am I good?", and "Can I be redeemed" are universal concepts with which we all grapple.
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“You should be very proud of what you accomplished.”
Marc Bartel, Senior Client Partner at Korn Ferry, Paris office.
“I did read your writings which I do find fascinating. I think that the flow makes good sense and we get a good grasp of the characters and their struggles.
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“Despite obviously some darkness, it is easy to read and a bit addictive to find out some why. It triggers some inner thinking also as we all have a past and some unresolved issues or issues we would have liked to handle better.”
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Natasha Lima, MBA from Seton Hall
“Overall this book was good, but very different from the first book. It went over Will’s personal life and the consequences of his choices … The first book was more about the Germans and historical events with differing points of views. The first book was more around listening to different points of view on the Holocaust and wars and Will’s taming of the beast by finding faith.
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“Will’s encounter with his granddaughter is a nice ending to a pretty tough relationship with his past, especially with the son he never got to meet or know. Will makes many comparisons between the government’s decisions with the Vietnam war to what is going on in today’s world which is intriguing. In the end, Will had to pay the ultimate price of kidney disease and his life as a consequence of the war and its effects. He found solace in religion and his relationships in the end.”