After realizing her marriage to a pompous, unfaithful professor has become emotionally and physically hollow, Alice Hartley initiates a radical transformation of her life. Alice seeks to reclaim her autonomy and sense of self, finding an unexpected catalyst in Michael, a student whose vitality contrasts sharply with her husband's cold indifference. As she navigates the complexities of her newfound liberation, she faces opposition from rigid social conventions, judgmental neighbors, and the intervention of legal authorities. The narrative employs a sharp, satirical tone to examine the friction between personal desire and societal expectations within a domestic setting.

This novel presents a departure from the author's more widely recognized historical works, leaning heavily into the satirical traditions of the late twentieth century. The narrative structure suggests a deliberate subversion of domestic tropes, utilizing the protagonist's transformation to critique the hypocrisy of the academic and suburban classes. Readers likely encounter a tone that is both biting and irreverent, emphasizing the absurdity of the obstacles placed in Alice's path. The work functions as a commentary on the limitations imposed upon women, framed through a lens of dark comedy and social rebellion.