Told from the perspective of Olivia, the very Western and practical younger sister, this delightful tapestry is the result of Tan's signature wise yet comical scripting. From the suburbs of modern-day Daly City to the mystical village of Changmian during the Taiping Rebellion, Tan creates high adventure by expertly weaving two distinct plots. Kwan, the eccentric and overly ingenuous older sister, was left behind in China by the sisters' father when she was 5 years old. …showed first 75 words of 345 total…

…showed last 75 words of 345 total…ever. A photo assignment in China takes the threesome on a mystical journey. Featuring characters of the past, eerie and unexplainable events ensue that lead Olivia to believe that Kwan may not be insane after all. Drawing events from her own family's history, Tan creates unforgettable plots about family, relationships and the workings of destiny. Those who wait anxiously for the San Francisco-based writer's newest production will relish her gift of laughter, wisdom and love.