This novel tells the story of a country girl who drops out of school after graduating from junior high, goes to the city to work, and falls in love with and marries a man eight years her senior. The two later make a living at sea, build up a shipping business, and become wealthy.
Later, after the woman has a child, her niece comes to visit during summer vacation. Envious of her aunt's wealth, the girl tries to seduce her husband, but the woman reprimands her. Then, despite all the woman's hard work running their home and business, her husband cheats on her with a nightclub hostess. Unable to endure any more, the woman divorces him.
The woman defies society's disapproval and stands up for her dignity by getting a divorce. She breaks with her parents, choosing divorce over spending the rest of her life with a scumbag. Her courage is truly admirable.
Divorce is a woman's foundation for independence. Only when she is unafraid of divorce can she have a better life.