Dealt Hands: A Novel of the Seventies

Midwesterner Marty Hatch moves to Massachusetts in 1970, an intruder into culturally distinct New England. Marty’s job as an historian in the political world of public higher education tests her values, extorts her conformity, and prompts confrontation with hostile colleagues. She gradually uncovers her childhood terrors, which have repressed her sexuality and warped her life. Marty embraces self-realization by beginning to see things differently.

John Cassidy, trapped by conventional moral doctrine, endures a loveless marriage. His deepening sexual involvement with Marty marks his emergence from an only tolerable life with his wife Lillian, a dedicated hypocrite. John Cassidy knows who he is but has to fight aggressively for what he wants: to marry Marty, to raise his two young sons, to counteract the uses of deceit and violence, to enjoy incidents of humor, courage, the richness of nature, and the fun of dogs, and absorb moments of grief and remorse.