The book investigates the largely untold stories of women who sailed on oceangoing merchant ships throughout the last century. It examines the lives of these women, often referred to as "hen frigates," who chose to accompany their husbands on voyages, creating miniature, often dangerous, worlds aboard. The narrative details the strenuous challenges of sea travel, including prevalent diseases, common shipboard accidents, and the constant threat of severe weather and maritime disasters, highlighting the risks these women undertook for the sake of companionship.

This work is recognized for bringing to light the experiences of women on merchant ships, a topic often overlooked in maritime history. The book is noted for its detailed accounts of the dangers and hardships faced by these women, while also acknowledging the romantic and adventurous aspects of their lives at sea. It highlights their resilience and the personal sacrifices made to maintain relationships amidst the perils of long voyages. The narrative draws on historical records to paint a vivid picture of these 'hen frigates' and their significant, though often unacknowledged, presence in maritime history.