A young Black woman attempts to navigate the racial tensions and social barriers of 1960s America while hitchhiking across the country. Robin, the protagonist, seeks independence and a new beginning by traveling from the East Coast toward the West. She faces constant scrutiny and danger due to her race and gender, forcing her to rely on her wits and the unpredictable nature of the strangers she encounters. The narrative follows a linear progression, documenting the shifting landscapes and the varying levels of hostility she experiences in different regions of the United States.

Readers and critics often note the stark, unvarnished quality of the prose, which mirrors the harsh realities the protagonist faces. Discussion frequently centers on the book's ability to capture the specific anxieties of a Black woman moving through segregated spaces during the Civil Rights era. The pacing is described as deliberate, reflecting the slow and often tense nature of the protagonist's movement across the country. Many highlight the author's focus on character interiority over traditional plot-driven action, creating a sense of persistent unease. The work is recognized for its historical significance as one of the few novels of its time to center on this specific experience.