EZRA’S WAR
Ezra’s War, the story of a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War
Street Address
Bowmansville, PA
Phone Number
Author . Poet . Novelist . Outdoorsman
Rather that joining the military during the Vietnam War, Ezra Swartzentruber moves from his Mennonite community in PA to Miami, FL for two years of alternative service in a hospital. Here he begins to see the broader world from a new perspective. The Mennonite lifestyle is not his only option.
Back at home, his girlfriend, Julie, a recent convert to the Mennonite faith, is finding deep significance in the teachings and traditions with which Ezra was raised. But Julie’s parents are devout Catholics and are opposed to her courtship of Ezra. Julie’s father, a World War two veteran, refuses to allow his daughter to have any contact with the young man who won’t perform his duty for our country. Secretly the couple continues exchanging letters.
Working alongside nurses and aides, while living with other Mennonites who are dating girls, Ezra is surrounded by beautiful young ladies. Although he loves Julie, passions ignite between Ezra and a student nurse. Living up to his own moral standards proves to be the most difficult thing he has ever encountered. And finding a way to convince Julie’s father that he is not a coward seems impossible.