This is a beautifully written but haunting story about two teenage American sisters living in Hong Kong during the summer of 1967. The author recounts the experience from the perspective of the younger sister Kate, who is overshadowed by her rebellious, risk taking sister, Frankie. Their father is a war-photographer in Vietnam and their beautiful but remote mother leaves her daughters supervision to their Chinese nanny. The girls find themselves in situations that are confusing and dangerous. Beautifully written, the sights, sounds and smells of Hong Kong, are described in rich detail. The conclusion is unexpected, but all the puzzle pieces fall into place.