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Summary
The Hayflick Limit revisits George Terrill IV, further in his life, addressing the challenges of parenthood, while discussing a person’s rights to live and die. When affected by Alzheimer’s Disease the question becomes, Would you choose five to seven years of normal mental acuity, at which time you would abruptly expire, or risk everything and allow for the slow, gradual decline with the hope that a different, longer-lasting cure might come along? The book also asks, What is the role of government in enforcing and interpreting the Hippocratic Oath?
The Hayflick Limit examines bioethics and the profound questions of humanity’s role on Earth and our right to play God. Readers report falling in love with Francis for his gentleness and compassion. It’s only when they learn that Francis is a research pig that they realize there’s more to life than our own.
As noted by The Prairies Book Review, "…A combination of magical realism and hard science, the story will enthrall [readers] from start to finish."
In-Depth Summary
In the sixth and most captivating installment of the Waldwick series, Kenneth Linde once again showcases his literary prowess, crafting a richly layered narrative that traces George Terrill’s tumultuous journey through professional rivalries and a deeply personal family crisis. George, once a humble farm boy from Waldwick, Wisconsin, has ascended to a prominent position within one of the state's wealthiest families. His life with his beloved wife, Amelia, and their three grown children appears outwardly idyllic. Yet beneath this veneer of domestic tranquility, George—known in spiritual circles as “Little Spirit”—feels a persistent, almost divine, calling to serve humanity in more profound ways.
In a bold departure from the world of commerce, George turns his focus to healthcare innovation, embarking on the development of Mediglove, a groundbreaking technology with the potential to revolutionize the medical landscape. As his visionary project begins to take shape, however, the emergence of former friends turned adversaries casts long, ominous shadows over his progress. Compounding his professional challenges, a sudden family upheaval forces George to confront the moral complexities of human intervention in what he has long believed to be divine design, compelling him to reevaluate the ethical boundaries of his work.
George’s character—resilient, yet heartbreakingly tender—evokes both empathy and admiration. His moral clarity and quiet strength anchor the emotional core of the novel. Linde populates the narrative with a diverse array of fully realized characters, each of whom navigates arcs imbued with both complexity and grace. Among the most poignant relationships is that between George and his father-in-law, whose evolving dynamic adds layers of emotional depth to the story. The gradual revelation of George’s ambitions for the Derrick Williams Foundation further enriches the plot, adding a tension that permeates the narrative only to be outdone by the majesty of humanity uncovered in the test animal, Sir Frances Bacon with whom lessons are learned about kindness, compassion and benevolence.
Linde deftly weaves the Foundation’s political triumphs and failures into the broader tapestry of the story, imbuing the novel with a timely resonance that speaks to contemporary concerns. The portrayal of Senator Fitzgerald, once George’s ally but now his most formidable political adversary, offers a chilling contrast to George’s unyielding integrity. Fitzgerald’s descent into political corruption becomes a dark counterpoint to the ideals George strives to uphold, underscoring the novel’s exploration of moral decay and the ethical dilemmas faced by those in power.
The Forest, with its tranquil beauty and almost mythic presence, serves as a symbolic backdrop for healing and introspection. Linde renders this setting with prose that borders on the poetic, evoking a sense of calm and timelessness. In a seamless blend of magical realism and grounded scientific inquiry, Linde crafts a narrative that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally stirring. This novel offers an unforgettable journey from beginning to end, drawing readers into its intricate web of personal growth, moral contemplation, and political intrigue making it a true candidate for literary immortality.
Hayflick Limit (PDF)
Release Date: January 2021
Author: Kenneth Linde
Publisher: Waldwick Books
Format: PDF
ISBN: 979-8-9905142-7-0
Price: $9.99
Page Count (print book): 385