An autobiographical coming-of-age novel on the dangers of religious enthusiasm and the power of love. Jeanette grows up within a fundamentalist Christian family. Her adoptive mother dominates her life educating her at home in isolation until a letter from the government arrives – ordering her mother to send her daughter to school. Jeanette struggles in the new environment but finally finds a friend in Melanie. When their relationship develops into something more than friendship and Jeanette discovers her interest in women, she is torn between her religious belief and her sexuality.

As the novel (and the film by the same name) touches upon ethical and religious topics an interdisciplinary teaching project with Ethics, Religion and Social Science is possible.

Novel · United Kingdom · 1985