Hankow

Hankow is the town where Jean and her family live at the beginning of the book.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a large city in China where Andrea and the Hull family go to live after Mr. Hull is transferred. Andrea picks up several "Americanisms" while living there, including a flapper fashion sense.

Wuchang

Wuchang is a city close to Hankow that was besieged by Communist forces. Lin Nai-Nai's family lives there, and she becomes very worried about their safety. Jean's father leads YMCA relief efforts for victims of the siege.

YMCA

Jean's father and mother work for the YMCA, or Young Men's Christian Association. They help with relief and education efforts in China.

Communism

During the time period of the book, the Communists were rapidly gaining political control, culminating in a violent revolution.

The President Taft

The President Taft is the name of the ship that ferries Jean...