Safe Return Doubtful

American Literature – published September 2026

The book begins in Los Angeles in 1967 where Lee Clarke, after an expulsion for his college, has received his draft notice to fight in the Vietnam War. He is forced to make the first political decision of his life, and though he is happy with his lifestyle and girlfriend in California he decides to leave the country and heads for the border.

He uses a one way car-delivery service, as indeed I have done myself, but in 1980 and in upstate New York. Taking just a suitcase and a bag of amphetamines, he sets off on a road trip across the country via and separated parents’ houses, and his siblings, who live in various towns that form his route.

deWitt’s writing is as entertaining as ever, and perhaps even more so here, where there isn’t a lot of plot. What results is an enjoyable and witty account, easy to read, so ideal if a break is needed from novels that require more focus.

My GoodReads score 4 / 5