Point of View

The author tells the story through the third person point of view. She talks about, but not through, Pei. Pei's life was tragic in many ways. Despite all that she had to endure, the reader understands that the book is meant to be uplifting. As Pei and the other girls search for love, they learn independence along the way. In this way the book teaches the reader about the depth of the human soul and how it is possible to start over and choose a better life for one's self.

Setting

The novel is sent in rural China in the 1920's. Japan and China are locked in a war that starts in the north and slowly trickles southward. The main character's home is a small farm on the outskirts of a village. The closest city of any size is one whole day's walk away. After passing...