" Bena is the female representative of settling for less and wanting so much more than a women of that time (perhaps, any time period) can have. She is plagued with boredom, isolation, temptation, and stereotypes that mean to keep her in her place and to prevent her from mixing with people that society deems beneath her. And so, like the moth to a flame, she is drawn to what is forbidden and dangerous. It is Bena's internal questions and external behaviors that fascinated me and has kept her in my memory. Yes, it is a sad and depressing story that takes place in a sad and depressing time and town. But, I believe this struggle, perhaps uniquely female struggle (ie Madame Bovary) will continue to be relevant until it has been replaced in our minds with a new struggle. "
— Sarah, 12/24/2013