The writing is exquisite. This is a novel about innocence, memory, loss and the impacts of war. The way the author captures the vivid and lush landscape of Hong Kong is spectacular. The story is haunting and brutal. I was immersed in this story and with these sisters. I think the author did a flawless job of  blending the family story into the political background of the Vietnam war.  This is a heartbreakingly beautiful novel.