Born in rural North Carolina in 1900 and telling her tale in the present, Roxanna begins her story on her twentieth birthday - a day that introduces her to the harsh realities of adulthood and changes the course of her life forever. From this day on, Roxanna is quick to share with the reader the intimate details of ninety years of life. While she barely leaves the small town of her youth, Roxanna's vision of the world is shaped by intense passions and loyalties and the certain tragedies of a life long lived. Fiercely loyal to all she loves yet prone to the chill of melancholy, Roxanna proves herself to be a great story teller. Her beguiling tale is one that boldly reflects the high and low moments in the development of the modern South, as well as illustrating one woman's inner strength through life's tall griefs and quick elations.