What does one do with a Chinese classical education? asks author Cynthia Waiying Wu Wilcox in this engaging memoir. Traditionally, it was meant to prepare one for the imperial examination and to serve the Emperor. But where was the Emperor?

Then World War II forced the author's removal from urbane Hong Kong to the rural countryside of southern China, across the front lines. Dodging Japanese troops and air raids, she studied math and science in Christian missionary schools. Later, in the U.S. for college, she learned of personal freedom and independence.

This dramatic and moving work ends in a breath-taking love story. It is a "must  read" for anyone interested in Chinese classical literature, war, Christianity, Communism, Chinese culture and the American concept of happiness.