The Big Uneasy

The Big Uneasy opens with poet/writer EVERETT AUTUMN (mid-20's) in New Orleans, where he is giving a poetry reading at a popular nightclub. Later at the bar, as Everett consorts with friends, we learn that he is in New Orleans to write abook about his good buddy, HANS UMBER (mid 20s), who has recently died in a car accident in New England. Next, the story jumps back three years to the same town, where young Hans (mid-20's) is getting by doing home repairs and odd jobs. At this point in his life, Hans is also a struggling plein aire painter whose artistic hopes are dashed when his girlfriend's art is lauded and his own is ridiculed. To escape the deteriorating New Orleans scene and perhaps gain some peace of mind, Hans travels to a Yoga retreat in the Colorado Rockies. Here, Hans meets CLYDE CODY, a transcendental 20th century Cowboy and PENELOPE ST. JOHN, a gorgeous Yoga instructor. The lively woman quickly becomes the object of infatuation for Hans. Soon thereafter, Everett Autumn shows up from NYC, and much to Hans' chagrin, Everett becomes a big source of attention for Penelope. Clyde, who is also attracted to Penelope, remains aloof from the romantic fray, content to make pastel drawings of the Great Outdoors, while routinely sampling his clandestine supply of cold beer, which he often shares with Hans. As money starts to run short, Hans decides against a return to the Big Easy (which he promised) and instead ventures out on a cross-country odyssey to his birthplace in northern New England. Along the way, Hans meets a young traveler named AMY WAGON, (mid 20s) who quickly becomes the love of his life. Hans and Amy flit from town to town, job to job, living a mostly hand-to-mouth existence. Amy grows frustrated with Hans' seeming lack of focus. Their life finally reaches equilibrium when Hans accepts a job at a local art store. Hans invites Everett, who is now living in NYC with Penelope, for a friendly visit and to discuss a book that Everett is writing. When Everett finds out that Hans plans to attend an environmental protest in nearby Massachusetts, Everett attempts to convince Hans that his relationship with Amy should come first. They argue bitterly and Everett leaves in disgust. On his drive out, Everett passes a bad car accident, where several emergency vehicles have gathered. This sad event is a foretelling of the death of Hans Umber.