His reason is revulsion over years of fighting with, and embarrassment from, his family, as well as their greed — much of which was due to his neglect of his children and multiple affairs (both personal and business).

Nate O'Riley, a high-powered litigation lawyer and now recovering alcoholic, is sent to Brazil, where Rachel is believed to be living as a missionary.

They argue that although Troy was examined by three of the top psychiatrists in the nation, he was lacking sanity at the time of the new will.

The journey into the Pantanal of South America by way of Corumbá nearly kills Nate, but finally he and his guide locate the tribe with which Rachel Lane is living.

Contracting dengue fever from a mosquito, when lying delirious in the hospital he seems to see Rachel standing by his bed and saying "Nate, don't die, God has plans for you".

In the meantime, the ex-wives, children and respective lawyers continue attempting to destroy and disprove all evidence of Troy Phelan's sanity and even the will itself.

The end of the book shows Nate riding off in a boat into the Pantanal, not caring if it took a month to get back to civilization.

Josh Stafford, Troy's lawyer, confidant, and executor, must find Rachel, but he knows only that she is a missionary somewhere in Brazil.

Father Phil Lancaster, the Rector of Holy Trinity Church in St Michaels, Maryland, who makes Nate welcome.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, in 2009, producers Mark Johnson and Hunt Lowry were developing a film adaptation of The Testament.