Rooms of the Heart (Electronic book text)

Charles Douglas is the youngest of three brothers brought up on a farm in Southeast Georgia. The oldest, army bound Arduben, argues with his second brother Leland, an ardent pacifist and future anti-war protestor. They part with bitterness going to their separate destinies. On his discharge Arduben plans for reconciliation but unexpectedly meets Leland at a peace rally in LA. The circumstances only widen the gulf between them. Leland migrates to Canada hoping to find happiness in a more liberal society. He underestimates the persistence of Charles, the younger brother. Arduben goes quietly into the night without the benefit of seeing his brother again.

Charles, the duty bound traditionalist, draws a high number in the draft lottery so is exempt from service. He is bothered by a sense of guilt, which isn't helped by returning protestors, newly liberated women, confused vets, and homegrown liberals in a staunchly conservative environment. Charles meets the melange of characters with humor and understanding. The sense of guilt never leaves him altogether as the rule of thumb by which a man is judged a man in his society is war. He finds love in his backyard with a young woman from an unexpected place a half world away.