crossed lovers, Dolores Gómez (a survivor of the Mexican Revolution), and David Katagian (a survivor of the Armenian Genocide) whose paths lead them from opposite sides of the world to Los Angeles, there to chase the American Dream. Ultimately determined by greater external forces, the dream wilts, fades, and ultimately perishes, as do Dolores and David. The novel unfolds against the background of Twentieth Century United States conflicts, immigration issues, and world economic collapse.