Contemporary Thailand is the locale for a dramatic suspense-filled narrative unfolding in both rural and urban settings. Seventeen-year-old Jiuda gradually understands some of the complex factors changing her family and village during the Thai student movement in 1973-76. The author grew up in Thailand; as a young teacher living and working there she witnessed inequities of tenant farm life, dangers of political movements combatting rural poverty and the brash courage of idealism which her protagonist experiences. A survival theme, romantic subplot, and intense political story await readers of this compelling novel. (Ages 14 and older)