A moving and graphic first-hand account of life and work in Jordan, Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq from 1967-92. The author was involved in mother-and-child care, education, home management and health-care in a determined attempt to educate and improve the lives of the refugees. Skinner explains the impact of economic sanctions; she raises questions of humanity over politics and allows the dignity of people in distress to come to the surface. She follows the drama of the long drawn-out peace process through the dry, intense heat and dust of summer, followed by the floods, mud and snow of winter. There is a lighter side too: the reader is given some of the history of Palestinian embroidery; the culinary delights of Arab hospitality; and the fascinating world of traditional bazaars.