A missionary in India communicates with her family, relaying news of the activities in India, sharing stories with her family, and hearing news of the Civil War and Reconstruction in her home country. Overall the portrait of a nineteenth-century American woman abroad emerges as a witty and warm testament.

Letters from India is the story of Beryl Girard, a remarkable woman, written in her own hand in her letters home. Her simple story is played out before a vast background of political intrigue, the ending of the World War II in Europe and in the Pacific, the beginning of the Atomic Age, the reconstruction of Europe, the evolution of India from a member of the British Empire to independence, political assassinations, riots and wars between Hindus and Moslems, the establishment of Pakistan, and continued violence around the world. It is also the story of two families, one in America and one in India. Her family in India was an indigenous tribe, the Korkus. Her American family lived in North Dakota and Minnesota, mostly teachers and farmers. She lived a divided life between her two loves. After 38 years in India, she retired to Minneapolis, Minnesota and was embraced by her family, her church and her community. She was content and busy there. But to the end of her life, she heard Indias siren song, Come Home!