Filled with rich descriptions of Jewish life that spans several centuries in this exotic culture, this ethnographic work is both the story of all the Jews of Cochin, India, and the tale of one woman. It contains historical legends and folktales, colorful renditions of celebrations in Cochin, and translations of women's songs from Malayalam, the language of the local Jews. It is also Ruby's own memoir of her dramatic life in India. A woman of strong and enviable character, she chose not the traditional path of marriage, instead attending college and joining the Women's Royal Indian Navy.