The Canoeist

The Canoeist is a novel inspired by the events in the first quarter of the author's life. It begins in the years immediately following the cessation of WW II, continues through the quiessent 50's, the turbulent 60's and ends with graduation from college after eight years of trying. His conflicted and often violent family relations, his friendships and his love affairs play out against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, the peace movement and the free speech movement. The story ranges from Rahway, New Jersey across the USA (often hitchhiking) then to South America. Along the way he meets a variety of people - both good and bad. He is witness to the dawning of the Colombian drug trade and to the insurgency that becomes the Colombian Civil War. The story reads like an odyssey but it is also the psychological and spiritual journey of a young man who does not have a conventional belief system yet wants do right and avoid wrong. And it is a thank you letter to the many adults who provided guidance and support when he thought he was going it alone. The Canoeist is written for mature readers. It contains strong language, racist dialogue, graphic violence and sexual situations. Reader discretion is advised.