You Complete the Masterpiece
Reviewed By Ian Banks November 28, 2024
Author Guy Mankowski
Distributor: Collective Ink
ISBN: 978-1-80341-661-8
Publisher: Collective Ink Publishing
Release Date: November 2024
Website: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/roundfire-books/our-books/you-complete-masterpiece-novel
FaceBook:
YouTube:
Instagram:
X Formally Twitter:
Rich in detail and wonderfully entertaining You Complete The Masterpiece draws attention to the ills of modern society, the greed seen in the charge towards wealth and the fickle nature of the #metoo generation as they plot and plan their way towards their obscure goals.
Guy Mankowski captures the essence of a man, Jude, who is lost, wanting to be a writer, a man full of dreams and fears that he believes can make him a noted author, with a compassionate skill.
Jude has always been inspired by Spanish author Alberto Valdez and when he wins an award for his recent manuscript, the money will get him out of debt and four weeks in Barcelona; the one caveat is that he ‘overlooks’ the last manuscript of Valdez before it is published.
On his arrival in Barcelona, he is met by Valdez’s granddaughter Maria, a Spanish beauty, who informs him that he has to finish the manuscript or forfeit the prize; the manuscript, once complete, must not be read by anyone else until it is published.
Valdez’s Will is very clear on the terms and conditions of the prize and Jude realises there is very little choice; with the help of Maria he sets out to make Valdez’s last manuscript one of which he would be proud.
The narrative moves along at a brisk pace to reveal that all is not as it seems. There are people who are not to be trusted, people who will stop at nothing for what they believe is revenge and others who are blatant in their dishonesty.
Add in the on again off again girlfriend, the girl next door who uses Jude’s apartment to shower as she has no hot water and the beautiful personable Maria, who just wants to see her grandfather’s last wish complete! And there you have it, a manuscript in the making or life as it is lived!
But then, it appears that maybe Alberto Valdez is not dead? Maybe this is just one big hoax for reasons unknown. What cost the price of fame and fortune is the question pondered as Jude reflects on his recent tumultuous few weeks.
You Complete The Manuscript is a most enjoyable read with a conclusion that perhaps does not live up to the body of the book, but that is a personal reflection. Alternatively, as there are so many endings not quiet complete, maybe You Complete The Manuscript.