When the Men Were Gone - Book Review

In 1944, Brownwood High School's Football season is on the brink of cancellation. The team's last two coaches resigned to enlist in the war. But if there's no football, some of the team's young men may find themselves enlisting as well. And school assistant principal Tylene Wilson wants to save those boys from coming home in body bags. The town has already seen enough loss, and so has Tylene. Her husband suggests that Tylene coach the team. She knows everything there is to know about football, having learned the game from her father. But she's a woman. What will the school, the team, and the town have to say about it?

Even if you know nothing about football, like me, the story of Tylene Wilson, as told through Marjorie Herrera Lewis' historical fiction novel When the Men Were Gone will engross you. Mainly because it's based on a true story. The author herself is a former sports journalist, so every piece of football lingo in this book is real, too.

This would be an exceptional book club book. Did I love every part of it? Not necessarily. The way it was written actually kind of reminded me of letters I've received from my aunt, which isn't bad, but in terms of literary prose is not ideal.

However, the story is very interesting, and you can read more about the real Tylene in the P.S. section in the book of the back. There's a lot to say here about a woman's role that carries forth into today's cultural climate, as well. If you want a book that will lead to a lot of discussion, then I think When the Men Were Gone would be an ideal addition to your book club this year.

When the Men Were Gone is published by William Morrow. It is available on bookstore shelves now. I received a free advance review copy at BookExpo.