The stories in this collection centre around new immigrants — spirited people who are prepared to leave their home and hearth to travel to distant lands to pursue their dreams of a better life. But often times there''s a reality check , and they are left to grapple with unexpected challenges of cultural shock, paucity of jobs, lack of Canadian work experience, absence of affordable daycare, and non-recognition of their educational credentials. Though the accounts are fictional they show the determination of new immigrants to survive on alien soil.