Venus Johnston

Venus Johnston is a woman in her early-thirties with a background in advertising who lives in an apartment with her boyfriend, Clint, at the beginning of the novel. She has struggled with her hair since her childhood. After she grows tired of waiting for Clint to propose and spending all of her time on her hair, Venus decides to shave her head and begin anew. Her efforts to guard her heart while deciding whether to reconcile with Clint as well as career conflicts are drawn-out throughout the entire novel.

Venus is forced to grapple with her differing expectations for her future when her relationship with her coworker, Ray, hits a rough patch and her vision for her reconciliation with Clint also presents difficulties.

Venus explores her relationship with herself throughout the novel, attempting to build her self-esteem and confidence as the novel progresses. She must contend with...