Tiptree was, in my opinion, a national treasure. She was at her best in the short form and this novella is one of her best works. Tiptree has written some of my favorite short stories (I was blown away by "Beam Us Home"). There is no way to really explain the plot without spoiling it so suffice to say it is funny and dark and grim all at once, everything I love in a story. Well plotted and written in an easy, readable style that almost lulls you into a state of calm while the grim reality is slowly, inexorably revealed. A first rate story by a first rate author.