The Good Old Days in China are over by the time Rafaella Bardini turns eight. Exiled by the Communist government, the Bardinis arrive in Italy with one suitcase each and $150. Her adventure began on the ship transporting them; deserting French Foreign Legionnaires attack her; she meets Stefano, Eurasian like herself, with whom she falls in love; and a brother and sister, German nationals, who also are repatriating to a country they have never seen. What happens to them all is a story that is absorbing and astonishing.   

Excerpt
"Jasmine tea," said Stefano. "I had forgotten how good it is." He had gotten a haircut, Rafaella noticed. And all three buttons of his tweed jacket were buttoned. At once Mai-yeen said, "Rafaella, please bring the box. I wish Stefano to take it home." They sat at the small, scarred table in the second room. The tea had been served in cups borrowed from Signora Scarpino. "Oh, no. I cannot do that," he protested. "You must keep it for yourselves." Rafaella wondered if Stefano realized how quickly he had become Chinese again.