On Ellis Island, immigrants were processed through within hours or days. On the other hand, immigrants on Angel Island were processed after several weeks, months or even years. The stress of immigration and confinement left an indelible mark on many of the Chinese detained. Some were compelled to write poetry on the barrack walls. They recorded their journey to America, their disappointments of America and their desire to see family members back home.
Island is divided into five sections.
The first is on the voyage to America. Interwoven with the poems are oral histories of detainees compiled by the authors. The Chinese immigrants were primarily from Guandong province and all were conversant with classical style. The authors note that none of the collected poems were written by women. While they waited in uncertainty, the men wrote poems expressing their frustration.