The Crux

Set against the backdrop of the western frontier, a group of New England women strives for economic independence and sexual autonomy by opening a boarding house in Colorado. Their progressive ideals are challenged when one woman falls for a male resident, complicating their dynamic due to his poor health and questionable reputation. Through this narrative, the author explores self-determination theory and its impact on women's choices, presenting a compelling examination of contemporary feminist ideals and the persistent gender disparities in personal and professional realms.