Gully explores the lives of a trio of largely unknown Asian aviatrixes: Hilda Yan, Li Xiaqing, and Jessie Zheng. Although the women are certainly noteworthy for their flying adventures in the 1930s, Gully goes far beyond the field of aviation in recounting their experiences. Through their biographies, she writes about modern Chinese history prior to Communism in a way that is both invigorating and quietly dazzling. Each of the women came from families heavily involved in Chinese politics, and their commitment to their country was largely what drove them to obtain pilot's licenses in a time when many Chinese women still bound their feet. Gully exposes the challenges the women faced, and the hard decisions they made, particularly when it came to their spouses and children. The aviation exploits are impressive, but just as remarkable is the work the three did promoting Chinese relief agencies after the Japanese invasion. An objective and adroitly crafted work of history, replete with copious notes, photos, and maps, Gully's unprecedented group portrait is also a grand introduction to Chinese politics and feminist studies.