This captivating memoir characterizes life in China during a tumultuous period in its history. Bea Exner Liu moved to China in 1935 to teach English. She married a Chinese, and witnessed the Japanese invasion of China during the years 1935 to 1945. Using narrative and quoting the letters she wrote to her family over those ten years, Liu presents a clear and sometimes shocking picture of daily life. Chinese political structure, availability of adequate medical care, and the daily grind of raising a family during a time when bombing raids were routine are all treated with Liu's adept language and gentle humor.