Allow Laila Ibrahim to tell you the fascinating history behind paper wives in her book, Paper Wife. Paper wives were Chinese women who immigrated to the U.S. by pretending to be married to American citizens. After the main character, Mei Ling, embarks on the treacherous journey overseas, she finds that her arranged husband isn't the man she believed him to be. Nevertheless, to save herself and the children she brought with her, Mei Ling must try to build a family – even if it's as fragile as a piece of paper.