Who do you think you are?

Rose spends her entire adult life trying to run from her small town upbringing, and trying to invent herself as an artistic, "cool", middle class woman. She tries out several different lifestyles and styles of morality, but seemingly always to her own detriment, ultimately creating her own unhappiness. Her constant sadness and self-doubt rings very true, and is devastating at times to read. It ends sadly, but is beautifully written. A very nice Munro.