Hawthorne Manor

HIGHLY ENTERTAINING!

Elliot Olsson lives with his Aunt Kathy and his sweet Cher in a small apartment. He’s held his job at Food-Fair Grocery for four years. He saves his money so one day he can have his own apartment. He’s really nervous and excited, he has a new job at Hawthorne Manor. He’s pretty sure he can do this new job. There’s a few people who work at the Manor but Elliot spends most of his time alone when he gets a break. He likes the quiet, doesn’t talk too much and too many voices all at once confuse him. Before he speaks he needs to pause and think about what he’s going to say. Everything for Elliot is very direct, there are no gray areas, and there’s still many things he struggles to handle. Elliot is also talented but no one has realized those talents yet. Elliot has Aspergers (ASD) but he doesn’t let that stop him from being independent.

Mikael Ferreira worked as a nurse at UCSF and met Walter Hawthorne when he was admitted to his hospital unit. Mikael couldn’t believe a man of Walter’s status was in very poor condition. As they became friends Walter asked Mikael to come and be his nurse at the Manor. Now, two years later he still enjoys every minute taking care of the feisty Walter. Mikael has issue of his own. Although it doesn’t seem that way, he has low self-esteem and not confident at times. He struggles with the word “love” as he blames himself for failed relationships. His need to take care of others is his main ambition.

When Mikael and Elliot meet at Hawthorne Manor, it’s not the first time. Elliot remembers Mikael from fourth grade. Mikael, often, came to Elliot’s defense, as he was teased, bullied and called “Mute-boy.” Meeting again, starts a building chemistry between them.

Mikael decides to instruct Elliot, how to bring Walter Hawthorne his meals. Elliot had already did research on Walter, so he knew some things about him. Just like with Mikael, there’s and instant connection with Walter. Walter is eighty-eight, feisty, gruff but charming and extremely flirty. He reminds Elliot of his Grandpa, that he misses with all his heart. Elliot starts to spend a lot of time with Walter. Walter shares the beautiful and heart-rending times, he had with his love Spencer Christianson. Walter leaves many life lessons to learn for Elliot and Mikael. Walter will also help in Elliot discovering his hidden talent.

Bryan T. Clark brings one of the most excellent, well written, wonderful and beautiful love stories to the page. This is just not one love story but two and they will warm your heart. As I read the “Dedication” for this novel, it really reflects that Mr. Clark tells this story from his heart. I haven’t read many books that get me teary eyed, but prepare yourselves and have those tissues ready!

Mikael and Elliot are both conflicted in their own ways. They will learn what each other needs and they will get some very well needed advice from Walter Hawthorne. With Elliot there is much to learn in the way of Aspergers (ASD) and the impact it has on his life. For Elliot there’s so many doubts, fears and discoveries to make about himself.
Mikael even with his doubts he will take a chance with Elliot. Both will learn the point about true love being 50/50.

The author will also bring the past relationship of Walter Hawthorne and Spencer Christianson. He will take us back to times when what Walter and Spencer had was wonderful but dangerous. It will reflect on different stages throughout their lives and troubles of the world: AIDS, prejudice, racism, ageism and more.

The line-up of characters is just amazing: Ms. Jennifer Martin, like a daughter to Walter and takes care of the Manor; Mr. Chim, caretaker; Juanita, chef; Shirley, housekeeper, who is often disturbing for Elliot; and Aunt Kathy, who loves Elliot.

As much as I loved Elliot and Mikael, I have to give special thanks to Mr. Clark for Walter Hawthorne. He made Walter Hawthorne a character that I will remember for a long time. With Walter, Mr. Clark made this novel so much more with history that is so often forgotten about.

“Hawthorne Manor” is a must read and I highly recommend it! I have read many of Bryan T. Clark novels and I honestly believe this is the best one he has written to date.
Outstanding!!