Lauren signs up for a march on Washington. That same night, she learns the Lysistrata story. Despite her growing attraction to Jake, it occurs to her that a sex strike is a great way to get things done. She founds Operation Lysistrata, an attempt to have the spouse beater ousted from the Court. Abstinence catches on, with predictable effects.
Sexual assaults increase, and prostitution fees rise.
Lauren becomes an icon. Her teen-age son becomes moody. Power feminists and victim feminists quarrel. One renowned activist gets competitive over men. But Faulk also relies on real-life references, as if she did not trust fictional invention.