Anna journeys to India to volunteer at acclaimed hospice founded by the saint Mother Maria. What she discovers over the course of a semester abroad is the rich history of a country, the disruption of colonialism, class, race and gender issues. She falls in love, makes deep friendships and has her strength and moral judgement tested. She also witnesses the problems at Mother Maria's, such as lack of bedpans, outdated medications and her own ethical conundrum of performing surgery without anesthesia or a medical degree. When a patient dies, Anna blames herself and searches for redemption. Anna's resolve tested as she is faced with the moral issue of what to do with one special patient.