In this raw and honest tale, Nam Bui enlightens the world about the pain and obstacles he and many others had to face in order to leave his beloved country. In the wake of a senseless and horrendous war, the Communist government of Vietnam controlled the country with hunger and fear. The downtrodden people wanted something better, something more for their lives. In his desperation for a better life and freedom, he and other brave people left their fate at the mercy of the vast and mercurial Pacific Ocean. With no specific destination in mind, these people would have rather risked their lives then live a life under tyranny. This true story mainly takes place on a tiny fishing boat cramped with forty-four people. These people decided to embark on this dangerous journey despite everyone not knowing each other, having a specific plan or supplies because they all had one goal in mind: freedom. Having little water and no food for days brings their mortality to light every second they stay on this boat floating aimlessly along at sea. When lost at sea and starving, survival becomes priority number one and everything else seems to lack meaning. With death biting at his heels, friends become foes, and an otherwise insignificant fish becomes more valuable than a diamond.