Set in New England , the novel begins in early 2001 and describes the life of Hattie Kong , a widowed retired high school teacher . Kong 's quiet life is interrupted when a family of Cambodian immigrants moves to her town . The family came to the United States as refugees from the Khmer Rouge . By the time that Kong meets them they are impoverished and racked by family conflicts and alcoholism . Kong soon develops a close friendship with the family 's teenage daughter . The narrative concludes shortly after the September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
World and Town