I found the history of Lucy/Joseph compelling and also heartbreaking. A single women who wished not to marry in that era had a most difficult life to live. Lucy not having any means such as inheritance or support from her family had to attempt to live the status quo, i.e. marrying.

I was saddened at how much really hadn't changed for women until recently. There was the "Women's Lib" that made some changes and yet quite a bit has fallen back down the hill. Women are still a minority in so many ways: Upward mobility/equality in the job market, the upsurge of women/girls seen as sex symbols, no marriage equality for lesbians/gays, and in many states you can still be fired because of your sexual identity.

Her courage and integrity in the face of so many obstacles was nothing less than heroic.

I did feel like her personality and that of her partner were not filled out enough. Maybe that was purposeful, but to me it was frustrating.

This would make an excellent book for a book club.