Love Among the Ruins

Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous summer of 1968, the story explores the passionate relationship between Emily, a devout Catholic girl, and William, a politically minded teen. Their decision to escape into the wilderness symbolizes a quest for a new life and deeper meaning, while their absence catalyzes significant changes in their parents' lives and reflects a broader loss of innocence in America. The novel captures the intensity and complexity of first love, contrasting it with the intricacies of adult relationships, highlighting themes of passion, idealism, and betrayal.