"Vietnam, 1964. Bé hasn't spoken a word since her mother left two years ago. Her father is now frail after a stroke, and can do little to protect her from her stepmother, Big Mother, who treats Bé like an animal and a servant. After Big Mother accuses her of stealing, Bé is drugged and sold. She awakes as a captive in a locked underground bunker with a group of young women. Mèo was hiding in her shirt when she was taken. When the imprisoned women and girls manage to escape, Bé and Mèo must find a safe place-- even thought the world is literally exploding all around them!" -- Adapted from back cover.