A touching coming-of-age story Publishers Weekly in the tradition of Anita Diamants The Red Tent, about a young woman, her family, their community and the customs that bind them, from a storyteller of uncommon energy and poise Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times. This vivid saga begins in Yemen in 1920. Adela Damaris parents health is failing as they desperately seek a future husband for their young daughter, who is in danger of becoming adopted by the local Muslim community if she is orphaned. With no likely marriage prospects, Adelas situation looks dire—until she meets two cousins from faraway cities a boy with whom she shares her most treasured secret, and a girl who introduces her to the powerful rituals of henna. Ultimately, Adelas life journey brings her old and new loves, her true calling, and a new life as she is transported to Israel as part of Operation On Wings of Eagles.
