"Manuela" is the last in a trilogy of literary novels centered on the life of Will Barnes, which spans the post-World War II period to current times. However, it can be read on it's own. This novel focuses on the developing relationship between Will and his newly-found granddaughter, Manuela. Will knows he is dying and tries to teach his granddaughter how to face the struggles he has been through so she can face the challenges ahead in her future.
However, he soon finds that she is quite capable of standing on her own two feet as she enters Cornell University and fearlessly faces political issues on campus. Unlike Will who led a self-centered life, her focus is on others and unaffected by the traumas that he has been through.
As one Beta reviewer remarked, "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."