The novel opens in August of 1941 when the world is at war with Germany and Italy and tensions between the Japanese and Caucasians are rising in their community. As the war overseas escalates, so do the tensions in the San Joaquin Valley where the Harmon's and Nishimura's live and work. Racial tensions mount as World War II intensifies and Pearl Harbour is bombed. Paula Harmon and Ken Nishimura's friendship is tested and their lives are changed forever.