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3.49 AVERAGE
3.49 AVERAGE
Thanks to GoodReads and William Morrow for an advance copy of “When the Men Were Gone” by Marjorie Herrera Lewis.
“When the Men Were Gone” follows the story of high-school-principal-turned-football-coach, Tylene Wilson. The story takes place in a small town in Texas during World War II. With all eligible adult men off fighting overseas, Tylene (reluctantly at first) steps into the role of football coach, hoping that having something to work towards will prevent the senior class boys from dropping out of school and enlisting.
This story is really compelling, largely because it’s true. The author uncovered Tylene’s story through a chance encounter with one of Tylene’s descendants in a doctor’s office, of all places. After researching Tylene’s story and finding few details, the author decided a novel was the most logical way to tell Tylene’s story.
I really enjoyed the story here, but unfortunately I found the writing itself to be lack-luster. The narration fell flat. None of the characters really shone through. Still, fans of the historical fiction genre will enjoy this story, if you can make it through the writing
“When the Men Were Gone” follows the story of high-school-principal-turned-football-coach, Tylene Wilson. The story takes place in a small town in Texas during World War II. With all eligible adult men off fighting overseas, Tylene (reluctantly at first) steps into the role of football coach, hoping that having something to work towards will prevent the senior class boys from dropping out of school and enlisting.
This story is really compelling, largely because it’s true. The author uncovered Tylene’s story through a chance encounter with one of Tylene’s descendants in a doctor’s office, of all places. After researching Tylene’s story and finding few details, the author decided a novel was the most logical way to tell Tylene’s story.
I really enjoyed the story here, but unfortunately I found the writing itself to be lack-luster. The narration fell flat. None of the characters really shone through. Still, fans of the historical fiction genre will enjoy this story, if you can make it through the writing
The writing is a bit elementary, but the story is great. It gives another perspective of what went on at home during WW II - of people trying to live normal lives and of one woman who stepped up to help them do just that.
An enjoyable listen. I liked how the author introduced the backstory throughout, and didn't try to explain too much at the start. First person point of view was a good choice.
4.5 Always interesting how we don't like change. Change is always happening and always a cause for conflict.
"They wouldn't expect a perfect game from a man, but that's what they'll expect from you. Can you be perfect?"
Good to see the double standard has been totally eliminated since the 40s.
Good to see the double standard has been totally eliminated since the 40s.
A little boring, long winded and long chapters. However if you like history, football, and strong leading ladies, this book is for you
As much as I live football, this was not as good as I hoped it to be. The story is interesting, but the writing fell a bit flat for me. It seemed too choppy and disjointed. I couldn't get invested in the characters, unfortunately. It is a good story however, but could of been so much better.
Quick read. The story had a ton of potential but the writing wasn’t quite there.
I am not a football fan but was intrigued by the story of a woman football coach in the 1940's in the heart of Texas. I was enthralled by Tylene's story and how she managed to get the young men on her team to come together and play.
Based on a true story, When the Men Were Gone is a beautiful and quick read about a woman who coaches high school football during WWII. Tylene is a strong and brave woman who has football in her blood, and the town needs someone to coach to help keep the boys of Brownwood, Texas from being sent to war. The hardships Tylene faces along the way are very real, and sadly, these hardships would carry on to today if a woman coached football. I would recommend this book to any lover of football, lover of WWII, and/or lover of women’s rights. Similar to a League of their Own, Marjorie Herrera Lewis definitely leaves a lot to think about when it comes to women, war, and sports.