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This was such an interesting and educational read. The story is told from the perspective of a newborn baby and recounts the story of his mother’s life from the Philippines to Hong Kong and later to Canada.

Mary Grace (MG) is the baby’s mother. MG is a married woman who wants to have a better life than what she currently has with her husband and extended family. She takes a job as a nanny in Hong Kong initially but learns that if she can get similar work in Canada and is employed there for two years that she can sponsor her husband to join her. After a short visit home before flying to Canada, she determines her husband will not be joining her.

MG works as a nanny for a couple who eventually take advantage of her. Later she finds employment caring for a woman named Liz who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. Despite the many challenges faced by MG in this new role (and learning of her pregnancy), she and Liz become wonderful companions.

While the viewpoint of the story being seen through the eyes of MG’s newborn baby was creative, it did not add anything to the story in my opinion but a bit of foreshadowing. The level of character development on the other hand is excellent and I learned a lot about the Filipino nanny program and the hardships faced by these women.

Liz identifies as queer and has been instrumental in building acceptance in her community. I loved this part of the book and the fact that a person with Alzheimer’s was still afforded this level of respect. I also appreciated the author writing in #OwnVoices for Liz’s character.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys learning about immigrant experiences and/or characters identifying as part of the LGBTQIA2 community.