A Man to Blame

• Other Authors: Finch, Susan (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: English literature; English language
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-7134

A Man To Blame traces the story of a young woman, June Wells, returning to a family that is struggling to maintain a sense of normalcy after a devastating accusation. Ten years prior to the start of the novel, June's younger brother was accused of accidentally killing a nine-year old neighbor. Her brother was never convicted of the crime, but in the eyes of the neighborhood and even his own sister, he was found guilty. At the beginning of the story, June returns to Nashville, Tennessee, hoping she will be able to make a new beginning with both her family and her community, but she soon discovers the depth of her unintentional betrayal has penetrated much further than she has anticipated. Only a short time after her return, June's friend is found beaten to death in her car, and the links between this death and the murder ten years before appear disturbingly similar. June seeks a way to understand both murders, while trying to heal the damage that has been done to her own ability to connect with the people around her. In my novel, I hope to explore the intersection between family and trust and the isolation one may feel when lacking real connections to community. === A Dissertation submitted to the Department of English in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. === Spring Semester, 2011. === March 15, 2011. === Includes bibliographical references. === Mark Winegardner, Professor Directing Dissertation; John Corrigan, University Representative; Julianna Baggott, Committee Member; David Kirby, Committee Member.