"This memoir follows one woman's tumultous journey from her childhood in communist Romania to her coming of age in the United States. Filled with anecdotes and incidents with family and friends in several countries on two continents, the book re-creates the experiences of new immigrants to America - especially the experience of the latest wave of newcomers from the former Socialist bloc.".

"The true heroine of the story is Vlasoplos's mother, an Auschwitz survivor who raised young Anca herself after the death of her husband, a Greek political dissident. This extraordinary woman's spirit, sharp intelligence, sense of humor, and flair for fashioning the appearance of opulence in the face of poverty provide some of the most arresting moments in the book. The deep attachment and strong mutual support between mother and daughter come through clearly in Vlasoplos's moving tribute."--BOOK JACKET.