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No matter how much we try to plan out every detail of our lives, things rarely go according to our plans. And in Stuck in Manistique by author Dennis Cuesta, a couple of people with very detailed plans find them all derailed in a small town away from home.
The story travels to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with Chicagoan Mark after his adventure-loving Aunt Vivian dies and leaves everything to him. Mark hasn’t heard from Vivian in years, so he had no idea that she was living in the small town of Manistique. And it isn’t until Dr. Emily Davis shows up at the front door to Vivian’s home, looking for a place to stay, that he realizes that she’d been running a bed and breakfast. After Mark lets Emily stay, though, more follow—and he finds himself surrounded by eccentric guests as he tries to figure out how to sell the house and leave Manistique behind.
If you’ve ever traveled to the Upper Peninsula, you’ll recognize the sights, the landmarks, and the personalities of the area in this charmingly quirky tale. Though the story doesn’t necessarily celebrate the natural beauty of this part of the state, it does give readers a feel for the area—for the lakes and forests and the small-town style.
As Mark and Emily both reluctantly extend their time in Manistique, they find themselves tangled up in the small-town web. Here, in this city of 2,000 residents, everyone knows everyone else’s business (though, strangely, no one seems to know that Vivian is dead), and they’re all somehow interconnected. The real estate agent might also work for the coroner, and the coroner’s assistant might work on cars on the side. The story is loaded with amusing surprises—and plenty of quirky characters—to keep it entertaining.
Still, the relationship between Mark and Emily is an awkward one—and it’s uncertain where the author is trying to take it. At times, it seems like he’s aiming for a romantic connection, only to state that there’s no attraction there…but…well…maybe… And the constant waffling is frustrating and often uncomfortable.
Eventually, though, the characters find their way and begin to settle into their own kind of relationship—just in time for their story to come to an abrupt conclusion. There are revelations and decisions that happen a little too quickly, offering minimal resolution—and that’s sure to leave readers wishing that they could have been stuck in Manistique just a little while longer.
With its unique setting and lovable characters, Stuck in Manistique is a charming and entertaining novel. It certainly has its share of flaws and missteps, but after reading it, you may find yourself looking into your own Upper Peninsula adventure.
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