Violet Morrison uses all her resources as she learns to survive in post-9/11 New York City.  Well-educated but unprepared for the harsh, war-stricken world in which she becomes an adult, Violet is rudely awakened. Her challenges to find work, pay off student loan debt and keep a roof over her head are complicated by the constant reminders of imminent disaster. Violet navigates student financial offices, executive boardrooms and neighborhood tax centers in attempt to live up to her responsibilities. She meets resistance at every turn: Her tax accountant hates his job. Prospective employers are inexplicably hostile.  She seeks refuge in yoga classes where her chanting is critiqued.  Her unemployed roommate gives her career advice but fails to pay the electric bill, resulting in an isolated blackout.  Her relief and joy when she finally gets a job are supplanted by threats both real and imagined, and Violet’s personal triumph is overshadowed by a larger crisis in the world.