Novels

While registering for fall classes at UT Austin in 1978, Dash meets a girl who seems to embody his dreams of an academic career in Europe:  Marlene, the elegant daughter of a Texas rancher and a German duchess. When his bike is stolen, and he is cut off financially and evicted from his apartment, Dash is determined to make his own way. He struggles with obstacles created by his alcoholic father, his passive-aggressive mother, his bullying older brother – and Marlene’s cool reserve. With coaching from Wally, a childhood friend who has feelings for Dash herself, he pursues Marlene. He thinks he has won Marlene’s love until he sees her at a café with his brother, which turns out to be the least of her deceits. He is forced to think again about what – and who – is important.