This is a collection of short fiction stories based on true people/situations. Very interesting and different! Each story really makes you think, some more than others. Though I'm no immigrant, I'm an avid traveler and enjoyed how the theme of hope and trials of starting over in a new land are loosely woven though each of the stories. I actually owned the hardback book but opted to rent the audio version to listen to on my commute instead. The afterword read by the author was interesting as well. I look forward to reading more of her work!