The story "Rosa" is set in 1977, the same year in which it was written. "Rosa" is written in the third person limited point of view, but the reader is allowed only Rosa's viewpoint on events; letters in the story are, of course, written in first person. Because Rosa's mental state is unstable, her perceptions are not always the most reliable.

Cynthia Ozick begins "Rosa" by describing the current state of Rosa Lublin's meager existence. Having destroyed her own antique shop in New York City ("It was a mad thing to do") Rosa is now living in a shabby "hotel" for the elderly in Miami, Florida. Her resentful and critical niece Stella, still living in New York, supports her. Rosa sees no one, goes out only when absolutely necessary, and barely eats enough to stay alive. She spends most of her time composing letters to her...