When the Men Were Gone: A Novel

by Marjorie Herrera Lewis Narrated by Eva Kaminsky

Overview

In Marjorie Herrera Lewis's debut historical novel the inspiring true story of high school teacher Tylene Wilson-a woman who surprises everyone as she breaks with tradition to become the first high school football coach in Texas-comes to life.

""A wonderfully touching and beautiful story...Tylene makes me laugh, cry, and cheer for her in ways I have not done in a long time.”-Diane Les Bocquets, bestselling author of*Breaking Wild

Football is the heartbeat of Brownwood, Texas. Every Friday night for as long as assistant principal Tylene Wilson can remember, the entire town has gathered in the stands, cheering their boys on. Each September brings with it the hope of a good season and a sense of unity and optimism.

Now, the war has changed everything.* Most of the Brownwood men over 18 and under 45 are off fighting, and in a small town the possibilities are limited. Could this mean a season without football? But no one counted on Tylene, who learned the game at her daddy's knee. She knows more*about it than most men, so she does the unthinkable, convincing the school to let her take on the job of coach.

Faced with extreme opposition-by the press, the community, rival coaches, and referees and even the players themselves-Tylene remains resolute. And when her boys rally around her, she leads the team-and the town-to a Friday night and a subsequent season they will never forget.

Based on a true story, When the Men Were Gone is a powerful and vibrant novel of perseverance and personal courage.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

10/08/2018
This WWII home front novel, sportswriter Lewis’s debut, lacks the drama that features in the Friday night games at the story’s core. In September 1944, the denizens of tiny Brownwood, Tex., lose their high school football coach to the Army when he reenlists after finding out his brother has been taken as a POW. Tylene Wilson, the school’s assistant principal, who knows the game inside and out, worries that if the Lions don’t take the field, bored young men will enlist early in the military. Still reeling from the death of her godson in the war, Tylene believes that she can protect other boys from the horrors of the battlefield and provide the community with a welcome diversion from the war by ensuring the season goes on. When no other suitable coach can be found, Tylene predictably takes on the task, facing strong opposition from those who believe coaching isn’t women’s work. Undaunted, and backed by her husband, Tylene strives to prove her detractors wrong. The woman’s empowerment angle is inspiring (Lewis’s book is based on true events), but the story ends where football fans would want it to start, at the beginning of the playing season, leaving the story feeling incomplete. (Oct.)

From the Publisher

A beautiful story that stays in your heart long after you finish reading When the Men Were Gone. A delightful true story, well written and touching.  Looking forward to reading many more books by Lewis.” — Jodi Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of Mornings on Main.

“...WHEN THE MEN WERE GONE sublimely ties together the drama of high school football, gender politics and the impact of war on a small town in Texas.” — Sports Illustrated

“Marjorie has written a wonderfully touching and beautiful story […] Tylene makes me laugh, cry, and cheer for her in ways I have not done in a long time. I only wish the real Tylene were here to see what Marjorie has accomplished. I was literally having chills. I look forward to the day her book launches into the world!” — Diane Les Becquets, bestselling author of Breaking Wild 

“A big, radical, heartbreaking story. Throw in mid-century gender politics and Tylene’s barrier breaking—her gendered domestic life—and what you’ve got here is an embarrassment of riches.” — Robin Wasserman, bestselling author of Girls on Fire

“Marjorie Herrera Lewis has a great knack for storytelling. Clear cinematic scenes with dialogue and clear motivation and suspense.” — Mark Sundeen, author of The Man Who Quit Money

“A feel-good story about one woman’s persistence, strength, and love of the game.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Tylene’s struggles, on and off the field, form the core of this satisfying historical novel based on a true story.” — Booklist

Sports Illustrated

...WHEN THE MEN WERE GONE sublimely ties together the drama of high school football, gender politics and the impact of war on a small town in Texas.

Jodi Thomas

A beautiful story that stays in your heart long after you finish reading When the Men Were Gone. A delightful true story, well written and touching.  Looking forward to reading many more books by Lewis.

Mark Sundeen

Marjorie Herrera Lewis has a great knack for storytelling. Clear cinematic scenes with dialogue and clear motivation and suspense.

Booklist

Tylene’s struggles, on and off the field, form the core of this satisfying historical novel based on a true story.

Robin Wasserman

A big, radical, heartbreaking story. Throw in mid-century gender politics and Tylene’s barrier breaking—her gendered domestic life—and what you’ve got here is an embarrassment of riches.

Diane Les Becquets

Marjorie has written a wonderfully touching and beautiful story […] Tylene makes me laugh, cry, and cheer for her in ways I have not done in a long time. I only wish the real Tylene were here to see what Marjorie has accomplished. I was literally having chills. I look forward to the day her book launches into the world!

Booklist

Tylene’s struggles, on and off the field, form the core of this satisfying historical novel based on a true story.

New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas

A beautiful story that stays in your heart long after you finish reading When the Men Were Gone. A delightful true story, well written and touching.  Looking forward to reading many more books by Lewis.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940173409904
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	10/02/2018
Edition description:	Unabridged

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