Inspired by the myth of Sleeping Beauty, a favorite of her daughter's, Anne wrote a novel about dominance and submission. Beauty has been asleep for a hundred years. Many princes and suitors have tried to climb her castle walls, but all have been killed by poisionous thorns. One prince makes it through by cutting the plants at the roots and gives Beauty a kiss. The prince claims Beauty as his, and she becomes his slave. The novel explores the psychological process of surrender and the ways that the seemingly helpless claim and exercise power.