Hall writes with insightful clarity about relationships, romance, and sexual passion, and she always shows an empathetic understanding for the confusions and frustrations of her characters. Whether it is Denny in Flying Changes (1991; see separate entry, Vol. 6) trying to win the heart of an unreliable rodeo cowboy or Jennifer trying to become safe by winning the love of a minstrel, their sexual relations are presented with honesty and sensitivity. Often, as with Denny and Jennifer, a sexual relationship brings with it a certain amount of disillusionment and a growing awareness of the realities behind romance.

Michael and his tormented psychology dramatize the difficult question of how society determines who is dangerous to others. He has hurt people in the past and may well hurt people in the future. It seems utter folly to release him when he has not proven himself able to properly behave in...