Returning to her childhood home in Hullsport, Tennessee, Ginny Babcock Bliss navigates the emotional turmoil of her mother's terminal illness while reflecting on the moments that have defined her life. Her departure from Vermont, leaving behind her husband, Ira Bliss, and their young daughter, Wendy, stems from his discovery of her infidelity. As Ginny revisits her past through a mental film reel of memories she calls "kinflicks," she grapples with the pivotal relationships and decisions that brought her to this point.

Navigating Teenage Romance

In her youth, Ginny's romantic life began with Joe Bob Sparks, the quintessential high school football star who lacked intellectual depth. For Ginny, the relationship was more about fitting in than genuine affection, as dating Joe Bob was part of the social norm. Her next relationship, with Clem Cloyd, represented a more rebellious phase. Clem, a rough-and-tumble motorcycle enthusiast from her past, was someone her parents vehemently disapproved of, seeing him as a disruptive influence. Ginny's relationship with Clem, characterized by physical experimentation and defiance against parental expectations, concluded abruptly following a severe accident on his motorcycle.

A Shift Towards Academia

To distance her from Clem and her mishaps in Hullsport, Ginny's parents enrolled her at Worthley, a prestigious women's college in Boston. Although resistant to the move, Ginny acquiesced, lacking a compelling reason to stay in Tennessee. At Worthley, she discovered a new mentor in Miss Helena Head, a philosophical guide who inspired Ginny to immerse herself in academia. Under Miss Head's influence, Ginny embraced intellectual pursuits, distancing herself from emotional entanglements and channeling her energies into understanding philosophical quandaries with a detached perspective.

Emotional Awakening

Ginny's emotional detachment was soon challenged by Eddie Holzer, a resident of her dormitory who brought a fresh perspective on balancing intellectual thought with emotional depth. Eddie, a spirited and rebellious student, engaged Ginny in debates that questioned the limitations of ignoring emotions. Their bond deepened following a crisis involving a fellow student, which further solidified their connection. The friendship eventually blossomed into a romantic relationship, prompting Ginny to confide in Miss Head. Torn between philosophical ideals and newfound love, Ginny agreed with Eddie's decision to leave Worthley in search of a more balanced life.

Life Beyond Academia

Settling in Boston, Ginny and Eddie lived off a trust fund, grappling with the ethical implications of profiting from a family business tied to the Vietnam War. They calculated the earnings linked to defense contracts and donated that portion to charity, opting to live on the remainder. Their journey then took them to Vermont, where they aspired to a self-sufficient lifestyle. However, Eddie's leisurely approach to farming proved challenging until friends joined them. Conflict with local hunters escalated tragically, culminating in Eddie's death in a shocking accident involving barbed wire.

Seeking Stability

Struggling with grief, Ginny entered a marriage with Ira Bliss, a local man seeking structure and order. Despite her efforts to conform, it was a union fraught with tension, as Ginny's free-spirited nature clashed with Ira's conventional expectations. Their daughter, Wendy, became a focal point of Ginny's affection amidst the discord. Ginny's life took another turn when she befriended Hawk, an Army deserter, who introduced her to meditation and spirituality. Their unconventional friendship led to an incident that drove a wedge between Ginny and Ira, culminating in her departure.

Reflections and Revelations

Back in Hullsport, Ginny's time is split between tending to her ailing mother and confronting her past relationships with Joe Bob Sparks and Clem Cloyd, both now settled into domestic lives. Simultaneously, her mother delves into her own past, pondering her marriage and child-rearing choices. At the hospital, Ginny encounters two patients—a nun and a Jewish immigrant—whose discussions on suffering and divinity add layers to her internal conflict.

Confronting Mortality

Despite her efforts to aid her mother through blood transfusions, Ginny cannot alter the inevitable outcome. Her mother's death leaves Ginny in a state of despair, pushing her to a failed suicide attempt that eventually leads to a moment of clarity. Surviving her fall into a boat, Ginny chooses life, albeit with uncertainty about her future. Finally, she leaves her parents' cabin, embarking on an undefined journey of self-discovery.