Inspired by the real heroines of China's Pearl River Delta. The Moon Pearl tells the story of Rooster, Shadow, and Mei Ju, who become fast friends while living in a girls' house, where daughters are trained to become daughters-in-law. These girls want neither to marry nor to become nuns (the only options open for them at this time), and choose instead to earn their living through their skills in silk production and ornamentation. Though ostracized by their families, physically and verbally attacked by their community, and barely able to find sustenance and shelter, these sze-saw, or self-combers as they would come to be called, manage to create independent lives of their own choosing.

Bold and empowering, The Moon Pearl offers all the wisdom and appeal of Thousand Pieces of Gold.