Hitchhiking Home from Danang: A Memoir of Vietnam, PTSD and Reclamation

Gerald McCarthy's memoir is a jump-cut narrative of his troubled adolescence, wartime experiences, and struggle to come unstuck from his own life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 31 December 2023
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

At the age of 17, Gerald McCarthy enlisted in the Marines and willingly volunteered for service in Vietnam. Following the conclusion of the war, he embarked on a tumultuous journey that included periods of AWOL (absent without leave), incarceration in civilian jails and military brigs, and ultimately admission to a Navy psychiatric ward. During his time in the psychiatric ward, McCarthy bore witness to several instances of patients attempting suicide. After receiving a medical discharge, he returned to his home in upstate New York and took up piecework in shoe factories. McCarthy's memoir, written in a dual voice that alternates between lucidity and dreamlike sequences, offers a fragmented and nonlinear narrative that delves into his troubled adolescence, his wartime experiences, and his ongoing struggle to break free from the constraints of his own life.

Introduction:
Gerald McCarthy's memoir, written in two voices—one lucid, one dreamlike—offers a captivating and introspective account of his life. The book delves into his troubled adolescence, his wartime experiences, and his ongoing struggle to find meaning and purpose.

Early Life and Military Service:
McCarthy enlisted in the Marines at the age of 17, a decision that marked the beginning of a tumultuous and challenging journey. His decision to volunteer for service in Vietnam was driven by a sense of duty and a desire to serve his country. However, his wartime experiences would leave a lasting impact on his mental and physical well-being.

Post-War Struggles:
After the war, McCarthy's life took a turn for the worse. He went AWOL (absent without leave) and was subsequently arrested and incarcerated in civilian jails and military brigs. His time in these institutions was marked by periods of isolation, violence, and mental distress. It was during this period that he witnessed several patient-attempted suicides, which further compounded his own mental health issues.

Return to Civilian Life:
McCarthy's medical discharge from the military brought him back to upstate New York. However, his transition back to civilian life was not easy. He struggled with substance abuse, unemployment, and a sense of hopelessness. He found solace in writing, which became a means of expressing his emotions and experiences.

Dual Voice of the Memoir:
McCarthy's memoir is written in a dual voice that alternates between lucidity and dreamlike sequences. This unique writing style adds depth and complexity to the narrative, allowing the reader to gain a deeper understanding of McCarthy's thoughts and emotions.

Conclusion:
Gerald McCarthy's memoir is a powerful and poignant exploration of the human experience. It sheds light on the struggles and challenges faced by veterans, particularly those who have struggled with mental health issues. The book offers a message of hope and resilience, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to find meaning and purpose in life.

Weight: 390g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476692845