Heaven and Earth: Child of War, Woman of Peace

In this sequel to "When Heaven and Earth Changed Places", the author continues her autobiographical saga of an Asian bride on America's "golden shore", seeking to heal the wounds of war - and love - and discover the meaning of her life. The book recounts Le Ly's apprenticeship as a housewife in a land where kitchen sinks "swallow food", and neighbourhood church ladies strive to save her "heathen Buddhist soul". Her uncanny ability to attract colourful characters - from con artists to despondent suitors - only muddles her search for the true peace she hoped America would grant her. Yet beneath Le Ly's amusing view of America, her emotions are torn between the promise of her adopted country and the land - full of pain, but also of the pleasures of an ancient and beguiling way of life - she left behind.