 April - June 2003
A Man Finds His Way
by Freddie Lee Johnson, III
From bittersweet to being able to savor a better taste, the author allows us a chance to see just how his protagonist handle real and imagined anst to gain favorable positioning. This is the story of Professor Darius Collins, who finds himself trying to keep a balanced life, stay above water, and handle all the ill-will that has befallen him of late. A MAN FINDS HIS WAY is Freddie Lee Johnson's second novel with the same formulaic method depicting a black man doing what is needed to keep his family intact, and still be viable in his chosen environment, albeit amid strife and unfortunate series of events. The novel's beginning stages is a study why men should employ better ways to do what is necessary to keep their women, and better exemplify better methods for conciliatory existence.
To wit: Darius' girlfriend dumps him, his ex-wife is on a personal vendetta, and he is hard-pressed to come up with solutions to deal with the latter when it's disclosed that she is indirectly connected to a former lover. It doesn't help too, when Professor Collins learns that his adolescent son, Jarrod is accured of rape. The former lover, a corrupt and conniving politician is attempting to frame the boy via extortion. On top of this, the novel moves along with good transition where the author does a credible job of juxtapositioning various subplotting to justify timely introductions to upcoming scenarios. What I liked is the way he set characterization to build crescendos without them hovering too much above what was originally offered. When this is done, it gives the story balance and allow the subplots to have an active role. There's nice contrast throughout as the author seems to give us the lighter fare concerning the main character's romantic life, and how he focuses primarily on Jarrod's plight in the latter part of the book. The author's writing style let you feel comfortable, hoping for a sustained dramatic interludes where the serious political and family overtones are not only congruous, but are depicted in a way to give suspense a deeper meaning here. Sandwiched between all the mayhem is how the Professor deals with the on-campus issues focusing on race relations, workplace bureaucracies, and self-evaluation.
This is a well-written novel with a good ending that should elicit familiarity with those who gravitate toward sensitivity, and where the need to make critical decisions to keep a family intact fuels all that is expected for success. I'm of the notion that if this author continues to write with passion he will not only find his way, but will far exceed in securing a comfortable seat among those that are there already!
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