where the poppies grow (English Edition)

Jimmie-Lee Fuong's mother was by far the prettiest woman in outback New South Wales in 1880. This was to be the cause of much of the dilemma to face this Chinese family striving to make a living in this harsh domain. Jimmie-Lee, affectionately known as "Rat" and his family are some of the first Chinese settlers in this area. The law at this time was the "might is right" philosophy of the establishment and local law enforcers. When he is given and taught to wield a traditional Chinese sword, he and his father hope he will never have to use it.When fate intervenes and his life and his family's livelihood are threatened, the carnage he leaves behind becomes legendary in his town, and a secret he has to hide. Soon we learn that he is not the only one haunted by family ties and a dark past, as his first visit to China reveals a much more harrowing story. The survival and prosperity of all those he cares about depends on the grit and ingenuity of these first individuals.