Westley Thomas

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Staten Island veteran survived war as a teen; now he’s a romance writer whose novel is getting a facelift

Vietnam veteran Westley Thomas’s romance suspense novel, “A Hard Decision,” tells the tale of love and loss during and after the Vietnam War on the North Shore of Staten Island. (Staten Island Advance/ Priya Shahi)Priya Shahi
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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A 77-year-old Vietnam War veteran and author — whose service in the U.S. Marines as a teenager inspired the storyline of a romantic novel — is now seeing his written work get new life.

First published in 1993, Staten Island resident Westley Thomas’ romantic suspense novel, “A Hard Decision,” captures the essence of that era and was informed by his own experience as an 18-year-old on the front lines in Vietnam.

“As I developed each character while writing it, I become emotional because I am now thinking about all the things I had gone through,” he said. “I didn’t realize until many decades later, when I came back from South East Asia, I had a lot of emotional baggage that affected me. I was dealing with the tragic events that were taking a toll on me.”

Now decades past the book’s initial release, it was given a facelift this year, with a new cover and fresh editing for its re-release.

The timeless story is set during and after the Vietnam War, unfolding on the North Shore of Staten Island.

The story follows a love triangle between William, Steve, and Zera. William, married to Zera, goes on their honeymoon just before leaving for Vietnam, with Zera expecting his child. Concerned he may not return, she becomes increasingly worried as his letters stop abruptly. The military informs Zera he’s missing, later declaring him killed in action. Time passes, and Zera marries Steve despite initial doubts. Years later, William, believed dead, returns, forcing Zera to confront a difficult decision.

“When a veteran serves in the military, the family serves with them. And when the veteran returns home, their lives are changed forever. Families make up communities, and communities make up the nation,” Thomas said, reflecting the message of his book.

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