The novel tells the story of a young woman's quest to bring hope and healing to Palestinians.The desire to help the subjugated people of Palestine prompts Rachel to trade the peace of her hometown, Olympia, Washington, for the war-torn city of Rafah, Gaza, Palestine. Upon her arrival, Rachel is welcomed by the ominous sounds of bombs and bullets and the hopeful faces of women and children. They love Rachel and the rest of the "Internationals" like a blessing from above. During Rachel's stay in Rafah, she witnesses Israeli attempts to annihilate Palestinians, the people who have become close...