This is book embodies a collection of personal tales that have bedeviled Tong’s mind for years. The stories of two strong women who never met each other but who became the ancestors of the author and her husband, are presented at the beginning and the ending of the book. Between the tale of the Chinese Ng Shee, who established her family in San Francisco and the tale of the German Maria Korzelius, who kept only two of her seven children alive during epidemics, we find the stories of other strong women.

Into the familiar histories of World War One, World War Two, the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, and several other current events, Tong has woven many stories that relate delightfully to the reader’s own experiences.

The summer of 1846 did not provide an abundant harvest. This year's crops had remained sparse. Lack of clover and hay threatened the farm animals, and even the usually plentiful potatoes had not supplied the village with enough provisions for the winter. Help from neighboring villages could not be expected because their weather conditions were similar. The whole country was looking toward a difficult winter, but if they were very careful and rationed their reserves, they could sustain their lives. “Please get me some water from the well, Anton. I need to clean up little Margaretha. She threw up, and her bed is all messy.” Maria's heart was beating in fear. This was exactly how baby Johann had begun his illness. She tried hard not to show her frightened eyes to Anton and Liz. “It's probably just the soup I just fed her, Liz.” “Mom, then what is wrong with Lorenz? He didn't eat that soup, and he just pooped all over the floor. It's kind of liquidy.” Maria looked up. “Liquidy? Do you mean he had diarrhea?” Now she stopped disguising her fear. “Come on. We have to wash everything!” “But, Mom, the well is almost dry. We don't have enough water for cooking. How can we wash everything?” Liz began to cry. Peter walked in. “What's going on? Anton just came to complain that he had to get water, but he couldn't lower the bucket low enough to get any.” Peter's face was stern, and the muscles in his cheeks worked furiously. “Peter, Lorenz had diarrhea and Margaretha threw up. I'm so afraid. It's just not fair. Why are these babies being punished? Why don't we have fresh water to clean them up?” Maria was overcome with tears. “I can't, I can't!” she stormed at Peter. Just then Margaretha vomited again. Peter shuddered. The evil had returned to their home.

Born in Germany before World War II and immigrating at age thirteen, the author has experienced a great variety of events, both personal and historical. She married a U.S. military man of Chinese descent and became the mother of four children. Her interest in learning the English language as well as her husband's heritage have led her to the University level of research. As a storyteller, she has translated the documentation and her observations into narrative easy-to-read form. The author lives with her husband in Northern California within easy driving distance of all her children and grandchildren.