The Slip by Lucas Schaefer
In his epic debut, The Slip, Lucas Schaefer delivers a wholly original and seriously funny story set in Austin, Texas in the summer of 1998, one that weaves through time and packs a punch at every turn.
Nathaniel Rothstein, a sixteen year old theatre kid, is sent to spend the summer with his uncle Bob Alexander, a retired college professor who has a soft spot for weed and nude beaches.
Bob sets Nathaniel up to volunteer at an old folk's home, where he falls under the influence of his boss David Dalice, who offers him unsolicited advice about women and relationships, and introduces him to boxing.
David’s influence sparks a transformation in Nathaniel, both physically and mentally, and even leads him to an unexpected relationship with Sasha, a Russian phone sex worker. Then, just as Nathaniel’s newfound life is beginning, he disappears.
A decade later, Bob, who has never gotten over his nephew’s disappearance, receives a cryptic note with Nathaniel’s birthdate written on it. When he takes matters into his own hands, it leads him back to where it all began, Terry Tucker’s Boxing Gym, a setting brought to life so vividly that it feels like a character in its own right.
For fans of Jonathan Franzen, Nathan Hill, and Paul Murray–this timely and ambitious debut tackles themes of race, gender, law enforcement, and so much more. Equal parts coming of age and mystery, and all parts page-turning, The Slip is on sale June 3rd.
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| Lucas Schaefer by Greg Marshall |
Lucas Schaefer lives with his family in Austin. The Slip is his first novel.