This sensitive romance inspired on a true life story centers on two people who differ in age, ethnicity, religion, and economic background but share common interests. Despite their dissimilar lives, they overcome many obstacles that threaten their growing relationship such as family objections to their marriage and frequent disruptions to their plans. A former love of Kathy and Paul's infatuation with a student, test their growing love for each other. As a result, the theme of love and marriage permeates throughout the story. The protagonists, Kathy and Paul, gradually mature together, but disruptions in their lives tighten their resolve to succeed and accomplish their cherished objectives. Paul eventually becomes an Historian, publishing extensively in his field of Chinese diplomatic history. Kathy, fascinated by Political Science and International Relations, becomes a successful, controversial politician. Importantly, their common interest in literature leads both to develop a mystical desire for Paul to write a novel. After frequent delays and interruptions, Paul does write the novel-it is this novel-a story within a story