Trading in Wings
by Katy Frances Morlas
Category: Fiction

Trading in Wings is the story of a group of intellectuals caught up in the pressures and malaise of middle class suburban life, as seen through the eyes of Betsy Guidry. Early in her life, Betsyas parents, both high school teachers, fled from the city to Iberville, a suburb where public schools are the best in the state and crime is nonexistent. Status, rumors, and betrayal prevail over life in Iberville, and as this group of friends nears the end of their time in high school and enters college, they must struggle to break away from the social pressures surrounding them in order to have a future free of the mistakes of their parents. Conscious of the expectations of her family and town, Betsy allows herself to conform, a safer and more comfortable alternative than having to consider who she really is. Torn between the love of her friends and the love of her family, Betsy realizes that their opposing values can never both be satisfied. Before the year is over, Betsy goes against her family and her communityas expectations for her with shocking results. The world has robbed Betsyas friends of their innocence, and they, in turn, strip Betsy of hers until she ultimately comes to a greater understanding of herself, her friends, and her community.