Of Wind and Dust

"A braided historical epic about three women, all married to the same man in 19th Century China and an emerging Seattle, who strive to create lives of security, freedom, and love-the adult debut by award-winning children's book author, inspired by her family's true story. Yook Lan was born married. Betrothed at birth to Chun Han Ming, the ambitious eldest son of the noble Chun family, she left home as a teenager to become a wife and was soon running her husband's household. Gaui Fong was born enslaved, forced to work in a rice storeroom and endure her father's drunken abuses. After being kidnapped and sold for ransom to the Chuns, she becomes Yook Lan's servant and ingratiates herself to her mistress. Mary was born free. The daughter of chief Seattle, leader of the Duwamish and Suquamish peoples, Mary's life is forever changed when she meets and falls in love with Chun, who has come to Washington territory to claim his future and fortune. All three women-the esteemed first wife, the lowly servant, and the spirited girl from the wild territories of Washington-are forever and inextricably linked as Chun's three wives"-- Provided by publisher.