No Traveller Returns is the third book in Hindsights, Stan Erisman's autobiographical six-part book series. On arriving in Sweden, Stan and Jeanette face daunting challenges: getting permission to stay, finding a home, learning a new language from scratch and finding jobs, all while trying to find equilibrium in a new environment. Stan gets his draft notice and declines the "invitation"; returning to the US is thereby no longer an option.
While working to make a new life for themselves in Sweden, Stan and Jeanette meet Bob, Stan's eldest cousin, who lives in Switzerland. His life and health are a train wreck, but his great humanity and intelligence shine through, and mutual friendship sprouts immediately, then grows rapidly. Bob has been wrestling with many of the same big issues - religion and politics - that have engaged Stan and Jeanette since they met, so now they are wayfarers along the same road.
Bob also brings music to their lives - a huge added inspiration for Stan to continue painting, with Jeanette's wholehearted support. Free from material ambition and ancient creeds, with only a minimum of external demands, they flourish in their simple lifestyle in a primitive apartment they've made comfortable. Pitfalls and obstacles continue to arise, as they are always likely to do. But they are external; they don't overwhelm.
