In Light's Delay

Set in the mid-1960s, this novel depicts the experiences of Doug Herman and his friends during the course of ten nights—at different times and in different places—and follows Doug from the family farm in Oregon to a series of adventures in Italy.

Back in Oregon and on trips to California, he becomes involved in a seductive but terrifying world of drugs and struggles through several relationships full of turmoil.

Finally, abandoning his art career at the University in his quest to win the girl he loves, he pursues her to Mexico City, where he vies with her Mexican boyfriend, and faces the possibility of being drafted and of going to Vietnam, where most of his friends are now caught up in the war.