The California Gold Rush saw greater diversity than America had ever experienced. Four Sparrows traces the story of four distinctly different characters immersed in a world of discrimination, and tackles the human condition in the context of racial identity development. Jungdo, a Chinese merchant, comes to profit from the discovery of gold. Disgusted with the culture of the Yankees, he quickly develops his own vices. Soon after Tomas arrives in San Francisco from the colonial Philippines. Shaped by experiences of his childhood, he is convinced at first that resistance to those in power is foolish and detrimental. Meanwhile John, who served as a New York volunteer in the war against Mexico, has remained to protect California. His best friend Jasper serves as a sounding board for his developing theories of race. He has the luxury to ponder his own dominant hegemony. Finally, Cath reaches San Francisco having fled the famine in Ireland years before. She works in various trades, still struggling with her refugee status and working to break invisible barriers. Layers of love, faith, and family tragedy color the actions of each, while their respective circles begin to overlap over time. By the final chapter racism is embraced or rejected, and legitimacy is secured or denied."