The Escapes of Madlyn Witherspoon are periods of adjustment she must go through in order to handle the things that shape life around her. Being afraid of the battles that frequently take place with her stepparents during the period before her thirteenth birthday and the drastic attempts made by her stepfather causes her to follow her instincts and escape. Her first destination gave her joy until time caught up with her and her impersonation as a boy in appearance was soon to be shattered. She leaves a note thanking her benefactor for the opportunity and heads further north. When she arrives at the location chosen she takes steps to return to being a young woman. Overwhelming desires shape her future, some with shattering effect. Rigid adherence to a new code of personal denial allows her to grow and prosper leading her to a life she had dreamed of forever.