MELISSA Dickinson is the neglected, overlooked and insecure daughter of an ambitious Republican senator.

College offers her an escape from the scrutiny of her controlling parents and the chance to step out of the shadow cast by her over-achieving siblings. But when she falls in love with Blake, a mixed race student who is the antithesis of her father's political beliefs, things can only end in tears.

Yet another modern take on Romeo and Juliet, Marge Piercy's novel of secrets, lies and star-crossed lovers is powerfully written and a damning indictment of American politics. As a heroine, Melissa is frustratingly nave and vulnerable, blindly throwing herself into a dangerous passion that threatens to destroy everything.

The plot lacks originality but it is intriguing enough to keep the pages turning.

Updated: 09:37 Wednesday, April 28, 2004