When the Men Were Gone: A Novel

(Paperback)

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...Sublimely ties together the drama of high school football, gender politics, and the impact of war on a small town in Texas. Sports Illustrated

A 2019 One of the Best Books So Far--Newsweek.com

Across betweenFriday Night LightsandTheAtomic City Girls,When The Men Were Gone is a debut historical novel based on the true story of Tylene Wilson, a woman in 1940's Texas who, in spite of extreme opposition, became a female football coach in order to keep her students from heading off towar.

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 daddys knee. She knows moreabout it than most men, so she does the unthinkable, convincing the school to let her take on the job of coach.

Faced with extreme oppositionby the press, the community, rival coaches, and referees and even the players themselvesTylene remains resolute. And when her boys rally around her, she leads the teamand the townto 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.

Reviews

A beautiful story that stays in your heart long after you finish readingWhen the MenWere 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 ofBreaking Wild A big, radical, heartbreaking story. Throw in mid-century gender politics and Tylenes barrier breakingher gendered domestic lifeand what youve got here is an embarrassment of riches. Robin Wasserman, bestselling author ofGirls on Fire Marjorie Herrera Lewis has a great knack for storytelling. Clear cinematic scenes with dialogue and clear motivation and suspense. Mark Sundeen, author ofThe Man Who Quit Money A feel-good story about one womans persistence, strength, and love of the game. Kirkus Reviews Tylenes struggles, on and off the field, form the core of this satisfying historical novel based on a true story. Booklist

Author Bio

Marjorie Lewis knew early on she wanted a career related to sports. After several years at small newspapers, at age 27, Ms. Lewis began working at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Soon after, she was named a beat writer for the Dallas Cowboys. Lewis later joined The Dallas Morning Newssports writingstaff. Throughout her career, Lewis covered college and professional sports, including the Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavericks, tennis and golf. She also covered the Super Bowl, Wimbledon, the NCAA men's basketball tournament and several college bowl games. It was while writing the novel that Lewis became inspired to try her hand at coaching football. She was added to the Texas Wesleyan University football coaching staff last December. Lewis works with defensive backs on the field and with the entire team as an academic adviser. Lewis is a staunch Sun Devil fan -- her alma mater being Arizona State University. She is married and has two grown daughters and one son-in-law.