Set in the late sixties but relevant to today, this novel explores various aspects of that period, specifically war protests and women's rights. But it's told through the eyes of three ordinary people - a college student, a professional woman, and her eighth-grade daughter. It gets at the inner turmoil of individuals trying to find their way. No Woodstock, no Kent State. Instead, we see a young man torn between activism and keeping his nose clean while blinded by what may or may not be love. We see the mother, newly widowed, torn between women's rights and losing her job. And the daughter, ah the daughter. It's a great read, well-crafted and superbly written.

Good, interesting, loads of potential.

This book takes us back to 1970 and the time before all male schools admitted women. Set at the fictitious Clarendon (Dartmouth), the author follows a young widow become aware of how her life has been limited by sexual discrimination.

This book follows 3 narrators living in New England in the 1970s. Virginia is a newly widowed mother of one, who let go of her career aspirations to take care of her family. After losing her husband, she needs to find a job and is drawn in by the successful women around her who want to take some sort of action against the gender discrimination that keeps them from thriving. Her daughter Rebecca, the next narrator is a young teenage girl trying to find her way, while not being embarrassed by her mother's actions. Sam, is a college student who gets caught up with the wrong crowd and is willing to do almost anything to be accepted.

I found this book quite slow. I found it hard to read and so was glad it wasn't too long. It is a book about life so there aren't many peaks and valleys and not much excitement. The characters were relatable, just trying to get through life, while being accepted by their peers.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about women's rights, the 70s. or enjoys reading about the human condition.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the eGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I did not enjoy this book at all. The premise was promising but the different POVs confused me and I did not fully understand how they were all connected. The plot was not interesting at all and felt like the author rambled too much. It had so much potential with its focus on the Women’s Movement but the book lack substance.

As a novel set in a time where being a single mom and widow is hard, Virginia Desmaria is a strong willed character who finds solace in a group of unmarried woman.

As Virginia ventures down a path of relearning what society expects of her as a woman in the 1970s. Her character really takes off after the loss of her husband and it is so exciting to be there along the way for these new experiences.

A huge thanks to Netgalley and the publisher fot an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fascinating glimpse into the infuriatingly chauvinistic world of academia. When her husband dies unexpectedly, Virginia must navigate a treacherous path. Her education and skills have been devalued and marginalized by the establishment because of her gender, and she must now emphasize them in a world that wants to placate her with a dusty corner or a new husband.

She finds support where she least expected it, and becomes embroiled in the nascent Women's Rights Movement. I loved seeing her idea of feminism evolving.

I enjoyed this novel that was assigned to me for Booklist. Look for my review there, coming soon!