I enjoyed this book a great deal. It was an easy read. I came to care very much for the characters in both story lines. I ached for the young girl, Caria, and her brother trying to come to America. I became frustrated with Alice and her desire to have a child. I could relate to her need for children but was frustrated with her indecisiveness. The story was definitely not predictable and kept me interested to see where their lives would intersect. I am interested to see what others think of these tso very different characters.

I have enjoyed this author in the past and I loved this books. This story is like nothing I have read before. It is an adventure story, a character study and also thought provoking philosophical book. I felt like I was on a journey with the missionary and his wife. Though separated they were each on their own journey. I know this book will resonate with other readers. I am anxious to read what others think of this book. I was disappointed to be at the end of this book. I am sure it is a book that I will revisit in the future.