South of the Big Four

Set in contemporary farm country of north central Indiana, just south of the Big Four railroad tracks, this extraordinary first novel tells the story of thirty-year-old Arthur Conason and his return to his family's abandoned farmhouse. The land is now farmed by the indomitable Gerry Maars, who immediately takes Arthur on as his hired man. Physically strong and emotionally reserved, Arthur falls into several casual but disruptive affairs. Gradually he comes to accept the love of a young waitress who can see past her uncaring husband and four children to a life they someday might share. He is also won over by Gerry Maars' creed of endless prosperity and optimism. it is only as Gerry's enterprise begins to fail and Arthur's own past can no longer be avoided that the fates of these unforgettable characters become clear.