Deak Wooten

Eyes of the Stag: a Story of Betrayal, Consequence, and Redemption Deak Wooten

Highly respected, middle-aged university professor Alan Rudgear, his wife Sylvia, and their son Clint were living a secure, comfortable, happy life. Or so they thought. Nine months ago Alan?s best friend, Gerald, was sent to prison for assaulting his wife Becky in a drunken rage. While consoling Becky, Alan seduced her, a decision that brings his life crashing down around him. With Gerald?s release looming, Alan struggles to come to terms with his betrayal and its terrible consequences. Inspired by Carl Jung?s hero archetype, author Deak Wooten?s debut is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of a man?s journey of self-discovery, one that reminds us of our ability to rise above even the worst things life can throw at us. Haunted by the unspeakable horror that his best friend experienced as a boy, Alan is catapulted into a world that uncovers truths long hidden. In a compelling, dreamlike narrative we watch Alan?s protective shell fall away as he travels to the very heart of who he is. Emerging a changed and selfless man, Alan understands what he must do to atone for his betrayal, a sacrifice that leads to unexpected and deeper healing. With gripping intensity and intricacy Wooten delivers a non-linear novel of breathtaking beauty and insight. Through Alan?s openness to the unexpected, honest self-examination, and willingness to confront and overcome his demons, Eyes of the Stag teaches that we can redeem and transform the past to prevent it from governing our present and lives.