Tottenham Court Road Summary

Worried about appearing naïve in anticipation of losing her virginity at age twenty-nine, Julia visits the largest pornography shop in Tottenham Court Road, where she wanders lost from one specialty aisle to another. Julia at age twenty, had refused to make love with her fiancé, Joe, believing her aunt's warning that men never trust a woman who gives in before marriage. Joe moves on to a more willing woman, and for the next few years Julia meets only drunkards and men on the rebound. She concentrates on building her business until she meets Michael at a foreign resort where she is gathering brochure ideas.

Julia likes Michael but is mortified at the thought of him discovering that she is an aged virgin. When he visits London to see her, she finds work-related excuses. Finally he asks gently why...