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After writing a book about his experiences with a distant family member and an eclectic group of diverse individuals loosely associated with him, Will still feels something driving him forward. A review of his book after it is published forces him to question the parts of his past and his psyche that he has both buried over time and lost touch with following a stroke. Using the principles and tenets of Alcoholics Anonymous as a way to take inventory of the people he may have hurt, he makes a startling discovery that his ex-wife gave birth to a son shortly after he left her. With this shocking revelation, Will examines both his time spent in the Marines as well as what the road ahead holds for him as he tries to reconcile with those he has hurt, those who hurt him, and the person he used to be.
The circumstances surrounding Will and the narrative created around him give the audience much to consider concerning identity and who is responsible for creating it. Will believes that his stroke gives him a clean break from the angry, hurt person he used to be, but flashes of his temper have a habit of appearing. He works hard to be thoughtful and considerate, but his estranged ex-wife and son hold a different view of him. This theme of identity persists throughout the story, as past hurt and tragedy darken the connections between people and drive a wedge between them. The story creates a sort of auxiliary tension that feels realistic; Will's life carries on, and he stands by his goals and convictions, but each new wrinkle gives him a choice of actions to consider moving forward. A heady blend of emotions and relatability makes this story feel authentic and true.
Canfield's The Errors of Mankind is a 2025 Eric Hoffer Book Award Category Finalist.