Overview

Tantona, Texas, in the 1970s isn't exactly a hotbed of women's activism and social turmoil.

Barbara Wolfe lives in Tantona, and she's had her fill of wondering if any of the community's conventions will ever change. Local society has its expectations for all of Tantona's residents, and only a fool would dare to venture outside the well-drawn lines of what's considered acceptable conduct. So Barbara lives her life in the closet, and although it's dull to the point of inertia, it's at least predictable.

Then beautiful and secretive Darlene Fisher comes on the scene. The relationship that develops between Barbara and Darlene puts Barbara on a collision course with Darlene's violent fiance. At times, it seems citizens in every social stratum in Tantona have a stake in what happens between Barbara and Darlene. And then there's the upheaval that transpires in Tantona's political arena, thanks to two women daring to believe they have the right to fall in love.

If Darlene were nothing more than a headstrong gust of wind, Barbara might have had a shot at getting a lasso on her and controlling the events that beset them both. Instead, with Darlene being an uncontrollable force of nature, Barbara finds herself on the verge of becoming a local legend and gay pioneer-that is, if she manages to survive.