An analysis of a woman's mental and emotional growth through a physical relationship that puts her beyond the pale in a narrow-minded New England college town. Anna, who has always lived as others thought she should live, is forced into a hated liaison and the onsuing ostracism makes her do her first independent thinking. She emerges freer, more independent as to her own future. Not for the ultra-conservative nor for those who find the ""strictly disciplined simplicity"" of style a bit trying. Can't really share the enthusiasm of some of its backers.