In August of 1963, the women of Kalyna Beach prepare for their annual end-of-summer party. With their husbands away in the city all week, the women's days are ruled by the predictable rhythms of children and chores, and lightened by the "racy" books they trade amongst themselves and their Friday afternoon meetings for gin and gossip. But this summer, everything will change for the girls and women of Kalyna Beach, as they gain a new understanding of the possibilities open to them all.