by Spark Notes
First published 2014
This SparkNotes guide breaks down Rita Mae Brown's novel about Molly Bolt, a young woman navigating her identity and sexuality in the American South. Harvard students created this study companion to help readers understand the book's key elements. The guide offers chapter-by-chapter breakdowns that track Molly's journey from childhood through college as she faces rejection from family and society for being lesbian. It explains the novel's major themes around class, sexuality, and independence. The guide includes analysis of important symbols and motifs that Brown weaves throughout the story. Students get review quizzes to test their understanding and essay prompts for writing assignments. The format makes complex literary elements accessible for quick reference during late-night study sessions or paper writing.
Genres: fiction, american-fiction, coming-of-age, contemporary, lgbt, academic
Vibes: intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: coming-of-age, found-family
Setting: American South
Period: 20th Century
35 pages · Kindle Edition · Sparknotes
Content warnings: homophobia