Many Japanese immigrants labored in canefields for ten or more hours a day, six days a week, for $12 a month. Here on three-year contracts, immigrants were mistreated by their "lunas," who thought nothing of beating the workers with whips, demanding that even the seriously ill report to work.The hardships and sacrifices endured by these immigrants encouraged their children and grandchildren to become educated, work hard, persist, and be creative. As a result, many second- and third-generation Japanese Americans have been successful in fields such as politics, business, education and art. There was no limit to their aspirations because the United States provided them the freedom and opportunity to fulfill their dreams.Immigrants left their children a heritage to respect, admire, and emulate. Saiki has captured the patient, gentle, loving quality of Japanese immigrants living in early Hawaii.