Part of the story is a true memoir of a heartbreaking childhood because of a strangely abusive mother. There is a mother-child problem one can only call sensational because of its shocking dimensions. This story also is part of other true life stories of women from dysfunctional families. The women are survivors. And they are complicated, juicy, compelling and remarkably diverse.

As the story moves from Los Angeles to the Middle East this contemporary story takes on the the theme of nationalism versus the true meaning of home, homeland, and our true connections to each other.