Consistently ahead of her time, Hobson continues rallying for the minority, the ostracized, or the underdog.

Consenting Adult (1975) is a daring, enlightening book advocating the acceptance of homosexuals. Hobson explores the issue by examining the impact of a young man's homosexuality on his entire family.

The major theme of Consenting Adult is the freedom of expression and the right to be different in a society that encourages conformity. The mother's pain and gradual acceptance of her son's homosexuality is basic to the story. Also central is the protagonist's entrapment by existing mores and his eventual emancipation.

Jeff, the young man who informs his family that he is a homosexual, withdraws, and unable to accept the family's reaction, leaves home to enter the world on his own. Hurt, repressed and frightened by his father's Victorian attitudes, Jeff endures years in agony.

Ultimately, he fights back and leaves...