The publication date of the book doesn't point out that the copyright date is 1973. It wasn't just set in the early 70's- it *was* that time. The time of communes, early gay rights, women's rights- we have so much to thank those people for. For not accepting rape as "just one of those things men do". For being able to love who we wanted, for saying what we mean. Marge Piercy explores some of the issues that "Vida" explored in greater detail; being on the run, set ups for the charge of conspiracy, supporting people who believe as you in spite of never having met them before. *sigh* what an idealistic time. And they needed that idealism to change all that needed changing. By the time I was a college student, we didn't call them communes, they were co-ops. Gardening was just gardening and women were no longer asked personal questions in job interviews anymore- ok, not often. I really appreciate the thoughts and work that went before us. The cat is, btw, a character throughout the book, as cats ought to be in a Marge Piercy novel. And remember, if a character doesn't like cats, you won't like that character, or you shouldn't. :-)