"A kaleidoscopic portrait of one family's displacement across four countries, Kantika -- "song" in Ladino -- follows the joys and losses of Rebecca Cohen, feisty daughter of the Sephardic elite of early 20th-century Istanbul. When the Cohens lose their wealth and are forced to move to Barcelona and start anew, Rebecca fashions a life and self from what comes her way -- a failed marriage, the need to earn a living, but also passion, pleasure and motherhood....

Just as her ancestors were forced to leave Spain during the Inquisition, Flory flees Europe for a new life in the United States, bringing with her a precious harmoniku and a passion for Ladino music.