Vetlandia

By Gerald D. Otis

With his life unraveling, Tom Ward sets out to find his place in the world-only to face a harrowing encounter while hitchhiking that lands him in Vetlandia, a long-term treatment facility for military veterans. As Tom adjusts to life in the institution, he uncovers a disturbing class system: some patients are granted privileges, while others are subjected to humiliation, abuse, and constant obstacles placed in their paths.

Tom quickly learns that speaking out against staff can lead to sudden discharge-or worse. Infuriated by the arrogance and cruelty of those in power, he figures out the dark forces behind the suffering. His investigation reveals a conspiracy of malpractice and corruption, led by the head of a secretive right-wing militia within the facility. Determined to resist, Tom organizes a group of disabled veterans to document and expose the evil festering in Vetlandia.

When the militia takes control, threatening to destroy the facility if their demands aren't met, Tom and his fellow vets must rise up and fight, sparking a life-or-death battle that will test their courage and solidarity.

While Tom's story races forward, Vetlandia itself emerges as a haunting character-what sociologist Erving Goffman once called a "total institution"-as the lives of wounded veterans come into heartbreaking focus, revealing the deep scars of service.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0983594481
• ISBN13: 9780983594482
• Release Date: October 2024
• Publisher: Gerald D. Otis
• Length: 294 Pages
• Weight: 0.87 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"