The Two Lives of Robert Four
About the Novel
In the East Texas sunset town of Kooth, prodigy Bobby “Ghost” Freeman played an NCAA game that became legend—before a hurricane, a racist sheriff, and a vengeful swamp took his body and soul.
Years later, across the ocean in Paris, a white boy named Casper Auclair dreams a life that isn’t his—until it becomes clear it was. Ghost’s memories. Ghost’s death. Ghost’s unfinished fight.
Now, Casper must defy a father who sees his obsession with America as betrayal and cross the ocean to reclaim a destiny he doesn’t fully understand.
But basketball glory and family reunion come with new enemies: a nationalist coach bent on silencing him, a sheriff determined to finish what he started, and Tante Sombre, the swamp spirit intent on reclaiming the soul she once shackled.
“Casper’s always lookin’ in the mirror, but he can’t see past his damn clothes.” - Timmy Thompson
Excerpt From Robert Four
I watch him closely, somewhat intrigued. I mean, he’s in college, but he’s not tall enough to pass the height bar to ride a roller coaster.
His backpack now rests atop his books as he scans the classroom; now, everyone’s watching him, “Uh, am I in the right place?” He scratches his head with exaggerated confusion. “This is Jr. High Sex Ed, isn’t it?” Laughter detonates throughout the class, it’s spontaneous and bold like the opening of Beethoven’s 5th symphony. Suddenly, I’m part of the laughter orchestra, swept up in the melody of this tiny, funny boy.
Status
Completed and beginning querying of agency representation
The Bones
After three years of writing, a devastating PC hack, rewriting, and countless rounds of polishing, Robert Four emerged as force.