This book is a collection of biographical sketches of the author and her mother. Branch Amazon.com: "The autobiographical work of Theresa Hak Kyung Cha, "Dictee," is both a challenging and unique experience to read. Her provocative blend of prose, poetry, narrative and historical pieces, among other genres, reveal a voice that purposely avoids a "typical" patriarchial discourse that is refreshing although disarming. Her words, contextually somewhat difficult for the (this) reader not previously aware of the complexities and truths of Korean history (both in Korea and America), are at once powerful and insightful...poetic, yet raw. Cha is able to use her gift to offer a glimpse into one woman's history and journey; one that ended much too soon on this planet for this talented artist."Wikipedia: Cha was raped and killed by security guard and serial rapist Joey Sanza in New York City, New York, just a week after the publication of Dictee. Sanza was convicted after three trials and five years. Shortly before her death, she was working on an artistic piece for a group show at Artists Space in SoHo. The Artists Space exhibit later became a memorial for Cha after her death. -- Source of annotation: Marvin or Ruth Sackner.