Elspeth is full of inexpressible longings- to leave behind her beginnings in a small wheatbelt town, and a secret she scarcely comprehends. After migrating from Singapore, Francis just wants to make a life for himself that is not determined by the colour of his skin or the judgement of others. Told by their only child, Eva, this is a novel about falling in love, and falling apart - the beautiful, sad story of a shared history that never ends.
Ruth Joiner's life is a tapestry of hardship and resilience, shaped by loss and marked by her experiences as an orphan in Bali and later in Australia. As she faces the challenges of racism, illness, and complex relationships, particularly with her daughter Dewi and a mysterious man named David, Ruth's journey ultimately leads her to find peace and hope. Set against the backdrop of Western Australia, this novella explores themes of dislocation and connection between Australian and South-East Asian cultures, highlighting the enduring bond between mother and daughter.