This book is a poignant and insightful collection of essays that delve into the everyday lives of women under communist regimes in Eastern Europe. Through personal narratives and observations, the author explores the harsh realities and small acts of resistance that characterized life behind the Iron Curtain. From the scarcity of basic necessities to the suppression of individual freedoms, the book reveals the resilience and ingenuity of women who navigated a world of political oppression, economic hardship, and social conformity, often finding ways to inject humor and hope into their struggle for survival and dignity.

The book is a deeply personal memoir in which the author recounts the tragic experience of her daughter falling into a coma due to a rare illness. As her daughter lies in the hospital, the author begins to write a poignant letter that evolves into a narrative of her family's history, her own life story, and the political and cultural upheavals that shaped her world. Through this intimate narrative, she explores themes of love, loss, and resilience, offering a raw and heartfelt reflection on the events that have defined her life and the unbreakable bonds of family.