Set in Oklahoma’s very real Milton Co-Operative Colony (1913-1917), the story takes the reader into an unfamiliar and entertaining piece of the state’s past, into the daily lives of a tiny town that, even in 1915, has yet to see electric lights, motor cars, or indoor plumbing. Just out of high school, Beth Flemming flees a wealthy but abusive home and lands by sheer chance in the muddy streets of Milton in LeFlore County, far eastern Oklahoma.

A socialist colony has nearly taken over the tiny town but is slowly failing. Town and colony argue non-stop about everything—economics, politics, religion, and other people’s personalities.

Within, the colony struggles with corruption and with conflict between some who advocate peaceful resistance and others who push for violent revolution. The townspeople will not be sad to see these people go.

Meanwhile, Milton needs a new primary teacher, and a young high school graduate—Beth—is the best they can afford. Teaching this volatile mix of students would challenge a classroom veteran.

For Beth, completely unprepared, the task can be overwhelming. Behind it all, young Beth must cope with the aftereffects of sexual abuse, a struggle hindered by early 20th century reticence.

To survive, she has to adapt and, because she cannot share her shameful secrets, do it mostly on her own. .