​"An articulate, erudite, and intellectually incisive novel. July 9, 2025 

'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."

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Online Book Club 9/25

"Will Barnes has just been diagnosed with metastatic stage IV prostate cancer at age 72, which has spread to his left hip and spine. Though he had suspicions, it still came as a shock, as he had only recently met his granddaughter, Manuela, a child from his first marriage. Knowing he has little time left, Will decides to spend it well with his wife, Cynthia, his dog, Mabel, and his granddaughter, Manuela. Luckily, Manuela would be attending Cornell University and would be staying with Will and his wife.

"This book explores Will’s final days as he reconnects with friends like Sayed and Fadwa, whom he met through a monthly meeting with Sayed. Together, they discuss world politics, religion, and history—such as the impact of the US in various world wars, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, and the situation in Afghanistan, to name a few. In their own way, they try to devise ideas about what could have been done in the past or today to solve world issues. We also get to hear the perspective of young Manuela.

"Manuela is an interesting and educational novel. I learned a lot, especially about history. I knew Israel and Palestine had always been in conflict, but this book delved into the reasons and what might have been done to prevent it. I liked how self-aware Will was. He knew he had made mistakes in his past, and he kept trying to amend them by learning more and reaching out to those he had offended. Will didn’t really have an easy life, like many war veterans, but he tried to make the most of it. This book often referred back to the first two books, and that intrigued me—I would like to read them someday.

I also liked how Will let Manuela explore, even when there were things he felt reserved about. He didn’t want to dim her light and was happy to let her understand things at her own pace. At first, I found Manuela a bit harsh and forward, but I guess that’s expected of a young woman of her intelligence and character. This book was so heartwarming and inspiring that I thought it was real. I had to go back to the plot to check if it was truly fiction. I appreciate how the author, Curt A. Canfield, emphasized Will’s faith and belief and included Bible verses.

"There’s nothing I dislike about this novel. I enjoyed reading it, and it was worth my while. It’s also a short read ...  I would recommend it to people who enjoy books on politics, history, and religion. This is a fine combination of all three."​

Manuela wraps up Curt A. Canfield’s Will Barnes trilogy, beginning with The Errors of Mankind and continuing in Better is the End. This novel catches Will Barnes confronting late-stage prostate cancer, forcing him to reckon with life's unfinished business. He juggles making amends, family revelations, and his newfound granddaughter, Manuela, who represents a hopeful future amid personal loss.
Canfield successfully tackles complex themes like mortality, reconciliation, and personal growth. Barnes is believably flawed, yet compellingly earnest. The dialogue between characters feels authentic and often biting, particularly the exchanges with Friedrich, a disgruntled relative who is just the type you'd gladly avoid at a family reunion.

Tying Barnes’s journey to broader historical themes—like war trauma, justice, and the American moral landscape—places the novel firmly within contemporary literary trends, satisfying readers who appreciate thoughtful historical fiction.

If you enjoy stories that blend personal reflection with historical insight, this one will hold your attention. Barnes’s blunt realism and stubborn attempts at redemption will resonate with readers facing their own life's loose ends, although those looking for a quick, cheery read should look elsewhere.

Manuela is worth the investment for readers who prefer novels that linger and provoke deeper thought. Just don't expect Friedrich to leave a glowing review anytime soon.

“Overall, great work!  … the way Will shares his thoughts and feelings with Cynthia as well as his gestures I find very romantic ... The book navigates through several hot button issues like the conflict with the Palestinians, protests on college campuses, immigration and family conflicts but it does so gracefully and realistically … The ending was beautiful."

“I love as always the book. It is well structured, argued and documented. It reads well for a European and is really interesting so far. I found myself immersed in the story. I do not have unfortunately negative comments. The whole description is strong and quasi real.”

“I did like the story. It was believable …  Making it longer would not improve it in my opinion.”

“I just finished Manuela …  While I found the universe building, historical facts, and religious references more interesting in the first two books, I liked this third book best ... because the characters have now become familiar and the story arc more compelling. In other words, narratives were coming to a head. I honestly thought a focus on a late teens girl was going to be slow going, it was not. I loved the parallels between Will and Manuela … Surprisingly, the dynamic worked quite nicely because,  and not in spite of, the juxtaposition of the characters.

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“But most of all, what I liked about book three was it was a story of acceptance and redemption. If I had to describe the three books, book 1 constructed a world and told a story of perdition. Book 2 was a book about revelation and making amends. Book 3 was about redemption and the cycle of life through Manuela. I think the writing is a bit more crisp in book 3 as well.

“I also loved, loved, loved that Manuela AND CYNTHIA  finished the book. Great touch! I always thought the books needed more Cynthia. Her perspective on the beast was riveting. She's the only one who could have shed light on the subject ... Well written and quite emotional.

Overall, great job. My favorite of the three.”