Set primarily in China between 1930 and 1949, readers follow the lives of a stubborn Italian marine and a resourceful Russian exile who fall in love amid war, economic upheaval and ethnic tension. When the two lovers in this improbable romance are separated, they struggle for survival amid ruthless Japanese aggression followed by a violent Communist revolution. They become central characters in an international incident putting the United States against the Chinese Communist government bringing both countries to the brink of war. Inspired by a true story.