Kim takes a small moment of Korean history and transforms this moment into a powerful sweeping epic that resonates across continents and oceans bridging East and West The scope and breadth of Kim s talent is evident on every page of this breathtaking novel ListIn 1904 as the Russo Japanese War deepened Asia was parceled out to rising powers and the Korean empire was annexed by Japan Facing war and the loss of their nation more than a thousand Koreans left their homes to seek possibility elsewhere in unknown Mexico After a long sea voyage these emigrants thieves and royals priests and soldiers orphans and entire families disembark with the promise of land Soon they discover the truth they have been sold into indentured servitude Aboard ship an orphan Ijeong fell in love with the daughter of a noble separated when the various haciendados claim their laborers he vows to find her After