The author, who is himself a Romani, speaks directly to the gadze (non-Gypsy) reader about his people, their history since leaving India one thousand years ago and their rejection and exclusion from society in the countries where they settled, their health, food, culture and society. He offers candid frank advice on rejecting prejudices and stereotypes and getting to know Roma as individuals.

He describes the development of Roma identity and politics, gives short biographies of prominent Roma in many different walks of life, describes the Romani language and illustrates it with proverbs providing an insight into Roma thought and belief.

It is extensively illustrated and provides a rare inside view into the life and society of the Roma people. This book is published in association with OSI, New York, a charitable foundation whose aims include supporting equality of opportunity for the Roma of Central and Eastern Europe.