Differential Housing

One man's journey toward personal and professional fulfillment in the 1970s leads to surprising places-and people-in Peter D. Miller's insightful new novel, "Differential Housing."

Patrick Summers is a lawyer in Indianapolis, determined to build his business and do good for the community. With plans to open a shelter for displaced people and a flirtation with Gale Geffner, a successful businesswoman with plans to open her own shelter for battered women, it seems as though Patrick's path is a clear one.

That all changes, however, with the arrival of Charlotte Barstow, a wannabe actress whom Patrick nearly married.

Having suffered damage to her appearance, and thus her career, at the abusive hands of her multimillionaire husband, Charlotte is hoping to override the estranged couple's prenuptial agreement-with Patrick's help, of course.

Meanwhile, his relationship with Gale remains as complicated as ever, she has vowed repeatedly to excel in her career without the aid-either professionally or emotionally-of a man.

A thoughtful take on some of society's most hot-button issues, including the economy, gender and racial discrimination, sexual norms, and the infamous Watergate scandal, "Differential Housing" perfectly captures the voice of a decade.