Far from Newark

Lee Gregory, a naïve college dropout, leaves Newark in search of a new life. Without direction or guidance, he spends one summer at the Jersey shore before joining the army. He learns of his father’s secret life, his mother’s psychological problems and copes with his Aunt’s death. Lee finds and loses his first love at the Jersey Shore.

Before his first overseas assignment he spends some time in San Francisco where he learns of the anti-war movement and becomes entangled in one demonstration incident that tests his character.

His hopes of avoiding combat by training in electronics go awry and he ends up in a transformative situation. Lee embraces the local Thai life, befriends a local young man and begins a new chapter in his life. Later he finds himself ill-prepared for combat and captivity. A surprise savior appears and he begins a spiritual adventure during his escape.

His return to the States is also a physical and spiritual journey and continued mental confusion.