The novel is set during the tremendous social and political upheaval of seventies America: the war in Vietnam raging, the continuing Civil Rights struggle, emerging Feminist ideas and the first generation of young women with access to The Pill. In addition, there is a Flower Power counter-culture: drugs, rock 'n' roll and sex sans shame or guilt are integral to that ethos. The main character, Julena Brandee, a young African-American, wins a Scholarship to a prestigious 'Big Ten' University which has been newly de-segregated. She navigates the minefield of racial politics and manages to find friendship and love which transcend race and class.