This book started off really slow for me and I very nearly DNFed it because I just found all the characters to be boring and un relatable . However, once the drama started I found myself unable to put it down. 

The story follows The Richardson’s, a wealthy family living in a wealthy community, and Mia and Pearl- a mother and daughter not as well off who are renting from them. They are complete opposites but the kids love Pearl and Mrs Richardson uses Mia as a housekeeper to help her pay rent. 

It works, for a while, and then things seem to go wrong.
Friends of the Richardson’s try to adopt a Chinese-America baby. The mother finds out, and the whole dynamic changes.

It was really interesting to read how it all changed, how the attitudes of everyone were conflicted. 

It’s set in the 80s and you can tell reading that, a lot of the views are very old fashioned and wouldn’t be accepted in today’s society. It’s not surprising what happens at the end- and to be honest I was expecting rebellion before. 

Some people would say that it has a positive end, some may say it is negative and to be honest it’s quite indifferent. 

There isn’t really an ending.
It just ends. 

I’m glad I read this book as Celeste NG is an author I’ve heard people talk about often. 

I just didn’t feel anything for the characters despite the great story telling. 

3/5 stars