In the Shadow

by Marley Brant

Captivating and controversial, In the Shadow, is the story of Bob Younger, the sixth of the Younger Brothers of Missouri. As a boy, Bob’s privileged life is irrevocably altered through a horrific series of events during the Kansas-Missouri Border War and ensuing War Between the States. After his brother Cole becomes immersed in the deadly guerilla force of William Clarke Quantrill, a vendetta is launched against the Youngers by men who won’t be satisfied until the family’s home, enterprises, land and lives are systematically destroyed. As Bob grows into his adolescence, Cole turns to a life of outlawry to avenge those he loves and the defeat of the Confederate Cause; and the list of his enemies grows longer and more determined. The four remaining brothers attempt to build a new life in Texas, a location where they anticipate they will easily blend into the large group of immigrating Missourians. But the past encroaches on Bob’s efforts to start over as Cole, then his brother John, become fully immersed in activism and greed. Despite Bob’s efforts to live his own life and distance himself from involvement in his brothers’ crimes, he finds it near impossible to be considered individually beyond Cole’s reputation. After Bob experiences a devastating personal loss, the charismatic Jesse James entices him with promises of retribution against those who won’t allow him the opportunities to which he feels entitled. But Bob wants something that Cole and Jesse probably don’t understand and what he wants is just out of his reach. It seems his life might always be one of complications and compromise. Yet when Bob is not yet twenty-one, unforeseen encounters with two people may provide him with an opportunity to live the life he has always longed to live. One of them, someone he never thought would influence him, attempts to show him his life has value despite his past. The other, an old friend, has a proposal that might enhance Bob’s future. Now Bob has to make a big decision. So do his brothers. Once again the Youngers stand to be transformed by family loyalty and unprecedented events. Yet this time, Bob holds the cards. If only he can look to the future and leave behind the boy who always stood in the shadow...

525 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 24, 2012

About the author

Marley Brant has been employed in the entertainment industry as a biographical writer, publicist, music and television producer and artist development executive. Marley's non-fiction books have been featured in People Magazine and the New York Times, been the basis for programs on VH1 and A&E, and served as the primary research for hours of television on the History channel, TBS, CMT, the Biography channel and PBS.

Marley's entertainment affiliations are extensive. She has worked with a wide variety of music artists, directors and actors, as well as numerous television, radio and film productions. After working for the managers of musicians Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne and Warren Zevon, Marley was appointed Assistant National Director of Artist Development and Publicity/Artist Relations and Tour Coordination with the fast-growing international record company Chrysalis Records. While at Chrysalis she was involved with the development, publicity and national tours of such acts as Jethro Tull, Robin Trower, UFO, Steve Hackett, Leo Kottke, Split Enz, Steeleye Span, Bonnie Tyler, Blondie, The Babys, Rory Gallagher, Nick Gilder and the Frankie Miller Band.

Marley took the position of Director of Publicity and Public Relations for radio syndicator Watermark, Inc. where she worked with the radio programs "American Top 40 with Casey Kasem", "American Country Countdown", "Alien Worlds" and "The Robert W. Morgan Special of the Week."

Desiring to expand into television, Marley's next position was as assistant to the National Director of Publicity for Paramount Television. She worked with the casts and crews of Paramount's stellar programs Happy Days, Mork & Mindy, Laverne & Shirley, Taxi, Bosom Buddies, Bad News Bears and The Associates, among others. One of her opportunities was working with NBC-TV and author James Clavell for Paramount's presentation of the groundbreaking mini-series "Shogun".

Entering into the multi-media world of international publicity firm ICPR, Marley was involved in the media presentations of features such as "Rich and Famous", "Taps", All the Marbles", "Stripes", "Clash of the Titans", "Don't Cry, It's Only Thunder" and "Missing". She also worked with the producers of the mini-series "Marco Polo", "Peter and Paul" and "The Marva Collins Story". Always anxious to be involved with music entities, Marley was appointed executive-in-charge of the television programs Fame, Solid Gold, The Tom Jones Show, and Country Comes Home. She was part of a team that worked with the corporate accounts of Motown Productions, Youngstreet Program Services, Viacom Enterprises, Hallmark Hall of Fame, Proctor & Gamble and several individual celebrity personalities.

Marley decided to free-lance in 1982. She authored magazine articles, edited album packages, wrote and edited music artist biographies, press kits and liner notes. In 1982 Marley co-produced (with John Delgatto) the album "Gram Parsons and the Fallen Angels, Live 1973"; Gram and Emmylou Harris were nominated for a Grammy in the category of "Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal" for "Love Hurts", a track on the album. In 1993 Marley served as Co-creator, Associate Producer and Historical Consultant on "Outlaws, Rebels & Rogues", the first installment of Turner Broadcasting System's three-night television series The Untold West.

Reviews

[Lisa C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an outstandingly well written book about the life of the Younger family, albeit a novel, but a well thought out, well researched one. I typically am not fond of novels based 'on the life of,' but this was the exception.

The characters, their thoughts and feelings, emotions were well captivated by the author. After reading their tale, it makes sense how the boys were drawn into the life they led. Torn between doing the right thing, taking care of family, you can practically feel the tension and stress the family and sons were under at the beginning and during the war. The author did a great job of showing how and why they chose the paths they did.