"Having been born before World War 2, the settings and timings of this book, prior to the commencement of that war and the terrible treatment of the Jewish families, is a reminder of how life was in those days. However, the overall theme of the story, and the purposes of their journey are not diminished by this background, but enrich the adventures and experiences of the sisters, as they occur, whilst embracing their more deep rooted ambitions. In every country they visit France, Italy and Austria, and Germany, they become more empathetic with the restricted ways of political tensions and cultures. Their experience of travelling from the USA to Europe on a luxury liner, introduces them to people who play a large part in this story and their future life. The culmination of having successfully delivered all three letters written by their grandmother, being the main purpose for this journey, and thus finding members of their family, previously unheard of or unknown, rewards the sisters in many ways. Meeting their grandmother's estranged sister, as well as discovering that their mother is the daughter of their grandmother's former lover, changes their aspect on life. As individual characters and personalities, and being totally at a tangent from each other in many ways, they develop in different directions, and become more confident in matters of the heart and their ambitions. Their experiences on the journey, allow them to become more strong and assertive, so they are able to work towards taking a more satisfying direction with their lives . Importantly they become more caring and loving for each other. Clara, becomes strong enough to reject her totally unsuitable fiancee, and to move forward to being a more free willed person. Madeleine, who previously experienced rejection in her chosen career, realizes that with perseverance, she will be accepted as a journalist. The shocking experience of surviving the Hindenburg disaster, embellishes the whole story."