Sterile Fields takes place in Los Angeles in the early eighties. It is the story of Matilde Vinent, a thirty-three year old woman from Spain, who has recently divorced and is working as a surgical-nurse at a large teaching hospital. Mati lives alone in a small bungalow off Santa Monica Boulevard, and divides her time between St. Michael University Hospital and acting classes at the Drama Institute off Hollywood Boulevard. In her free time, she hangs out with her colleagues from work, flies a small Cessna with her private pilot license, or stays at the home of her best friend in the heart of Blossom Grove, the suburban community she recently escaped from. And always there is Ken, her handsome, procrastinating, manipulative ex who refuses to let her get on with her life. Into this state of affairs enters Julian Amosante, a thirty-two year old larger-than-life Italian-American. The chemistry is instant, but there are hurdles to overcome. Throughout these months, Mati's challenges and insights are mirrored by the experiences of the other women in this novel.