This story follows the life of Lily Beach, a young woman coming of age during the 1960s. When Lily discovers sex during college and finds that it is something she really enjoys, she has no boundaries. Lily is an art student who her fellow classmates have come to think of as eccentric, bohemian even. Most of the women she encounters do not take to Lily, but men seem to have an uncanny attraction to her. Lily becomes involved with three men, including her art professor who has secrets much like Lily's in his past. Eventually, Lily falls for a classmate and this relationship takes them both by surprise because they are not prepared for the whirlwind that follows. Their relationship endures for years after they first meet, even after they've both married other people.
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Best part of story, including ending:
I loved how the intricacies of love, passion, lust and life unfold in this novel. The author makes these things tangible, even for readers that have never experienced it.
Best scene in story:
My favorite scene is when Lily finds her very first apartment in Chicago after graduating college. It was so nice to read about her getting a dream apartment in a building she never thought she could afford. I loved the shabby elegance of the place. It was perfect for Lily.
Opinion about the main character:
I disliked Lily's reticence to speak up and tell Will (her lover) how she really felt about him. I kept thinking if she had, then they might have gotten married and ended up truly happy.
