A Man Most Worthy
By Marcus Major  

     Marcus Major is an impressive novelist. I've not read any of his other works but based on A Man Most Worthy, I'll have to look into them. It's not often that a romance novel captivates me, but there was something different about this book. I expected a happy ending, just from reading the first paragraph, but the desirability of the story came from finding out how this happiness would occur.

    A Man Most Worthy is the story of Josephine and John; Gloria and Jules, all residents of the inner city as children, and a kindly father figure, Mr. Dukes.

   This is a testimony to the simple fact that people can break away from the stereotypes of unpleasant beginnings and rise above them. Josephine is the vice-principal of an elementary school; Gloria, an independent businesswoman; Jules, a transportation mogul and John, a wealthy business owner who has decided to expand his business back to Newark, New Jersey from North Carolina. It's fair to say all of the characters are self- made and proud of their accomplishments but they are each missing something.

     Seven years before, Josephine and John had what appeared to be a wonderful relationship, but due to his ambition, John couldn't totally commit, and Josephine moved on, marrying another man and expecting to live happily ever after. Gloria and Jules were a couple as well, but Gloria's refusal to allow herself to be loved interfered. Finally, seven years later, what was meant to be finally works its way to the surface.

     A modern day romance, A Man Most Worthy gives hope that true love really does exist in its own good time. Mr. Duke, a mentor to all of the characters, has the knack of giving prophetic statements that are taken to heart. The characters value his input and he becomes an integral member of this close group of friends. There is no fooling Mr. Duke; he sees the big picture.

     A quick read, A Man Most Worthy is a great book to curl up and read on a lazy afternoon. Although fiction, it illustrates hope for those who have the misconception that love no longer exists. Friendship and love is transcendental and to have either is good but to have both is wonderful.