As the United States increases its involvement in Vietnam, the ongoing civil unrest and political divisions evolve into a calamitous war that will ultimately see no winners, only losers. With the growing war's trauma and loss tearing apart her family, the rebellious, defiant Trang Sen -- whose name means "White Lotus" -- struggles to make more of her life than seems possible. She moves from her parents' rice farm to the streets and alleys of Saigon, and her world opens up, but as quickly as new paths become visible, others are shut off. Caught between her own dreams and the needs of her family, between her love for learning and the excitement of war-time Saigon, Trang Sen embarks on a journey of heartbreaking choices. Ultimately, she must decide whether to stay in her devastated homeland or follow her dream to a new life, as the last transport flies out before the fall of Saigon to the fighters of the North.