Lovelessly is the mixed-race daughter of French slave-owner Francois Moreau in San Domingo, at the turn of the 19th century. As a consequence of the war of 1812 in the United States, and revolution in the motherland, a storm of liberty and freedom sweeps across the island nation. Lovelessly meets a British soldier returning from the war in America who informs her of his experiences in the United States. The political turmoil resulting from revolt, causes thousands to flee the island nation. After being reunited with her British lover in Paris, Lovelessly learns of a hidden agenda as headlines regarding a political assassination dominate the Paris newscasts. Francois Moreau's quest to increase his wealth, sets his sights on French Indochina. Lovelessly's discovery of southeast Asia and the Vietnamese struggle raise daunting questions that form the basis for the remaining years of her life.